India Scaling Green Steel, Hydrogen & Decarbonisation Initiatives Towards 2070 Net-Zero Goal: MoS Steel

New Delhi, Dec 12 (KNN) Minister of State for Steel Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma, in the Rajya Sabha, outlined the progress of India’s green-steel capacity, hydrogen-based pilot projects, and decarbonisation incentives, highlighting the country’s ongoing efforts to align the steel sector with its 2070 net-zero target.

Green-Steel Capacity and Certification

Following the notification of the Green Steel Taxonomy in December 2024, 43 private steel units have received Green Steel Certificates, representing a combined production capacity of 11.6 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) and an annual green-steel output of 7.1 MTPA.

The taxonomy establishes uniform standards for low-emission steel, providing a framework for certification and encouraging cleaner production practices.

Hydrogen-Based Pilot Projects

Under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, Rs 455 crore has been allocated for pilot projects integrating hydrogen into steelmaking processes through FY 2029-30.

Four projects have been approved—one in a Central Public Sector Enterprise and three in private-sector plants—aimed at demonstrating hydrogen-based pathways to reduce emissions in steel production.

Strategic Roadmap

The Ministry has released the report ‘Greening the Steel Sector in India: Roadmap and Action Plan’, prepared in line with recommendations from 14 task forces.

The plan outlines strategies for scaling low-emission technologies, accelerating decarbonisation, and supporting both public and private steelmakers in transitioning to sustainable operations.

(KNN Bureau)