UditVani, NewsDesk: The Central Government has launched a comprehensive initiative to enhance the environmental sustainability of India’s steel sector. The Ministry of Steel is preparing the ‘Green Steel Mission’, a significant program with an estimated investment of Rs 15,000 crore. The mission is aimed at reducing carbon emissions in the steel industry and helping the sector achieve its Net Zero target.
Key Components of the Green Steel Mission
The Green Steel Mission includes several strategic components:
# PLI Scheme for Green Steel: Introduction of a Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme to encourage the production of environmentally-friendly steel.
# Incentives for Renewable Energy: Provision of incentives to encourage the use of renewable energy in steel production.
# Mandates for Government Purchases: Government agencies will be required to prioritize the purchase of Green Steel, fostering demand for low-emission products.
Integration of Green Hydrogen in Steel Production
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is leading the National Green Hydrogen Mission, which integrates the steel sector into a national strategy for the production and use of green hydrogen. This mission aims to decarbonise steel production and plays a key role in India’s broader environmental goals.
Report on Decarbonisation of the Steel Sector
On September 10, 2024, a report titled *”Greening the Steel Sector in India: Roadmap and Action Plan”* was released. The report, based on the recommendations of 14 task forces formed by the Ministry of Steel, outlines key strategies for decarbonising the steel industry.
Release of Taxonomy for Green Steel
On December 12, 2024, the Ministry of Steel unveiled the Taxonomy for Green Steel, which defines standards for identifying and categorising low-emission steel. This framework is expected to support the industry’s green transition, enabling the creation of a market for green steel and facilitating financial support for sustainable practices.
Supporting Policies for Resource Efficiency
The Government has also introduced the Steel Scrap Recycling Policy, which aims to increase the availability of domestically produced scrap. This policy complements efforts to enhance resource efficiency in the steel industry.
Pilot Projects Under the National Green Hydrogen Mission
Under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has allocated Rs 455 crore for pilot projects in the iron and steel sector until the 2029-30 financial year. The Ministry of Steel has already awarded:
– Two Pilot Projects for Hydrogen-based Direct Reduced Iron (DRI): These projects will use 100% hydrogen in vertical shaft furnaces.
– One Pilot Project for Hydrogen in Blast Furnaces: This project aims to reduce coal/coke consumption using hydrogen in existing blast furnaces.
Future Prospects and Ongoing Efforts
Further pilot projects are being explored, including the injection of green hydrogen into existing vertical shaft-based DRI units to partially replace natural gas. These projects highlight the ongoing efforts to make the Indian steel industry more sustainable.
The Government’s actions underscore a strong commitment to transforming the Indian steel industry into a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly sector, with substantial investments in green technologies and policy frameworks aimed at decarbonisation.
उदित वाणी 
टेलीग्राम पर भी उपलब्ध है। यहां क्लिक करके आप सब्सक्राइब कर सकते हैं।