Flux50 New Year reception 2026

The Flux50 New Year Event 2026 took place in the setting of ArcelorMittal Belgium’s Ghent site—an industrial landscape that perfectly embodies innovation, ambition, and the spirit of transition. Over 100 industry leaders, policymakers and energy experts gathered to explore fresh perspectives on accelerating the industrial energy transition in Flanders and beyond.

One of the highlights of the evening was ArcelorMittal Belgium’s inspiring presentation of its CO₂ roadmap, outlining the company’s decisive steps toward low‑carbon steelmaking. Among the groundbreaking projects showcased was the LIFE SMART initiative, in which waste wood is transformed into biocoal in the pioneering Torero unit—an innovation that demonstrates how circularity and heavy industry can move forward hand in hand.

The event was further elevated by the keynote address of Kurt Vandenberghe, Director-General of DG CLIMA, who shared a European perspective on the path toward climate neutrality and the pivotal role of industrial frontrunners. His message resonated strongly with contributions from ArcelorMittal, Flux50, Flemish policymakers, and other visionaries who outlined both the urgency and the opportunity of the transition ahead.

Together, the speakers and participants painted an energising picture of what is possible when technology, policy, and collaboration come together.