Euskadi will allocate around EUR 25 million to promote the circular use of steel and metals

The Basque Government will allocate around EUR 25 million through the project Basque Circular Metals to promote the circular use of steel and metals, 70% of which will be private capital.

The project, which will bring together 11 industrial companies, five clusters and agents of the Basque Network for Science, Technology and Innovation, will have an impact on steel, automotive, sustainable mobility, wind power, advanced manufacturing and construction.

The Industry, Energy Transition and Sustainability Advisor, Mikel Jauregi, presented the initiative on Wednesday in Barakaldo, with the participation of companies such as ArcelorMittal Sestao, Sidenor, Tubacex, CAF, Gestamp and Haizea Wind Group, among others.

Traceability of materials

One of the first steps of the project will be the launch of the Digital Product Passport in 2026, a tool that meets European Union requirements and aims to improve the digital traceability of steel, aluminum and other metals.

In addition, the project envisages improving the availability of quality secondary raw materials, promoting the reuse and classification of materials and developing technologies, including reducing external dependence on raw materials and boosting products with lower carbon emissions.

The Vice-Minister for Energy Transition, Irantzu Allende, has explained that steel and metals account for 49% of the industry's gross added value and more than 110,000 jobs in the Basque Country, with about 10 million tonnes of metals consumed annually, accounting for 63% of the carbon footprint of industrial materials.

According to Allende, the aim is not to produce more raw materials in the Basque Country, but to make better use of materials, improve their traceability and increase the use of secondary raw materials.