Industrial competitiveness: balancing energy security, sustainability and affordability

Europe’s Clean Industrial Deal marks a pivotal shift in aligning climate ambition with industrial competitiveness, aiming to decarbonise the economy while strengthening strategic sectors such as steel, chemicals, and clean tech. With a target of a 90% emissions reduction by 2040, the Deal prioritises investment in low-carbon manufacturing, energy infrastructure, and circular economy solutions, while keeping affordability and reliable power at the core of the transition. The proposed €480 billion annual investment seeks to modernise grids, drive innovation, and lower production costs through reforms in procurement and resource efficiency. Although initiated in the EU, the Deal offers a blueprint for the Global South and other regions balancing sustainability with industrial resilience. Its global implications - from clean product standards to tightening emissions expectations- signal a future where businesses and industries must move beyond viewing climate ambition as a trade-off to competitiveness, harnessing all energy sources, technologies, and innovations to thrive.

Attendee Insights:

Explore how Europe's industrial strategy is influencing global trade, investment, and energy priorities, and learn how operators are adapting to balance cost, carbon, and competitiveness in an evolving policy landscape.