On 16 April 2025, the European Commission opened a consultation process, calling for input to prepare its proposal of the upcoming Industrial Decarbonization Accelerator Act (the “Act”), which is a key part of the Clean Industrial Deal. This initiative is designed to accelerate the decarbonization of Europe’s energy-intensive industries, such as steel, cement, and chemicals, while ensuring that these industries remain competitive on the global stage.
According to the Commission, the EU’s energy-intensive industries contribute significantly to its greenhouse gas emissions—about 19% of total emissions—and are vital to its economy, providing millions of jobs. However, these industries face numerous challenges in their efforts to transition to cleaner production methods. Among the primary obstacles are high energy costs, complex and slow permitting processes for decarbonization projects, and the high upfront costs of clean technologies. Additionally, the demand for low-carbon products manufactured by these energy intensive industries is still limited, as these products often come at a higher price than their conventional counterparts.
To address these issues, the Commission is considering measures aligned with the following objectives, which could be included in the upcoming Act:
- First, streamline and accelerate the permitting process for industrial decarbonization projects, particularly those involving critical infrastructure like electricity grids and hydrogen pipelines. This would help remove regulatory bottlenecks that currently slow down investment in clean technologies.
- Second, identify and promote priority decarbonization projects. These projects are seen as high-risk due to their substantial capital requirements and long-term timelines, and the Commission recognizes the importance of public intervention to de-risk these investments and ensure their success. By supporting these projects, the EU aims to lay the groundwork for a more sustainable and resilient industrial base.
- Third, measures to create and protect lead markets for low-carbon industrial products. These measures may include introducing sustainability and resilience criteria, along with minimum EU content requirements in public and, in some cases, private procurement for strategic sectors. Additionally, the Commission will consider promoting low-carbon industrial products through options such as an EU label for steel, incentivizing clean carbon feedstock adoption, and enhancing investment in innovative technologies to strengthen the European market.
The Commission is currently gathering feedback from a wide range of stakeholders—including EU member states, industry leaders, and environmental organizations— through a public consultation process, which is open until 8 July 2025. This consultation is a critical step in shaping the future of the Act, which is expected to be proposed in Q4 2025. Stakeholder feedback will directly inform the Commission, ensuring that the proposed policies are well-aligned with the practical realities of industries and their decarbonization needs. While the consultation is focused on gathering insights, it is not just a passive input process; the Commission intends to incorporate relevant stakeholder suggestions into the legislative proposal. This may include adjusting the scope, focus, and mechanisms of the Act based on the feedback received.
For companies in energy-intensive sectors, the consultation offers an important opportunity to influence policies that will directly affect their future competitiveness and sustainability. Engaging in the consultation process will help ensure that the policies reflect the realities of these industries and that necessary support mechanisms, such as public funding, tax incentives, or market guarantees, are in place to facilitate a smoother transition.
Covington’s cross-practice team is closely following the development of Clean Industrial Deal and instruments that form part of a broader array of legislative initiatives and communications aimed at fostering decarbonization. This includes the Industrial Action Plan for the European Automotive Sector and the draft Clean Industrial Deal State aid Framework. Covington can assist energy-intensive businesses to navigate the risks and opportunities offered by these instruments for their future projects and investments in the EU or elsewhere.