The dissertation explores how states steer the decarbonisation of the energy intensive industries (EIIs), and why states are progressing at such different speeds. The EIIs play a crucial role in society, as they contribute with basic materials such as cement, aluminium, steel, paper and pulp, fertilisers and plastic. These products will play a vital role in the transition to a low-carbon economy, however they are also responsible for a significant amount of global carbon dioxide (CO2) emission. The dissertation aims to explain the role of the state in steering and enabling deep decarbonisation of EIIs, and to study the relationship between the state and EII actors. The papers will focus on the OECD member states, the European Union and Sweden respectively, thereby exploring the decarbonisation of the EIIs on the international, regional and national level. Based on insights from the political economy of decarbonisation and comparative climate politics, the dissertation has potential to give new insights on the influence that carbon polluters have on climate policymaking and the policymaking conditions conducive to industrial decarbonisation.