The Spanish steel association Unesid is concerned about the insufficient compensation allocated to the industry to cover indirect costs related to carbon emissions in 2026.
According to Unesid estimates, at least €200 million is needed to meet the needs of steel companies – the amount the sector considers necessary to remain competitive with other European producers – while €157 million has been allocated for the current year. The industry association stresses that this €43 million shortfall limits companies’ ability to cope with ever-higher energy costs, deepening the disadvantage of Spanish industry.
“We are not asking for preferential treatment, only that the support fulfils its purpose and allows industrial activity to be maintained in Spain,” says Unesid Director General Carola Hermoso.
According to the industry association, in most European countries compensation covers 100% of indirect costs related to CO? emissions.
The organisation preliminarily estimates that energy costs for the Spanish steel industry in March-December 2026 will amount to €658 million. In view of this situation, the head of Unesid insists on the urgency of immediate measures to ease the pressure, as well as of a stable and predictable energy and industrial policy.
The association’s key demands include stronger compensation for indirect carbon emission costs, budget planning that guarantees medium-term certainty, and the consolidation of reduced electricity charges for large consumers.
As a reminder, in June 2026 Unesid called for the extension of tax relief on electricity. The association pointed out that high energy costs were negatively affecting the sector’s competitiveness. Its demands to the government also included raising compensation for indirect CO? costs to the maximum levels permitted under EU legislation.
