steelTalks is a monthly series on topics of interest to the global steel community. The lectures are presented in a webinar format with a guest lecturer. This lecture examines the basic operating principles of EAF steelmaking. How the process is a combination of electrical and chemical energy inputs, what the typical steelmaking process cycle is and the importance of understanding the total energy balance for optimising EAF performance. It looks at methods for reducing total energy requirements and the continuing drive to develop low-carbon steelmaking practices which will drive down CO2 emissions further.