The Aryavarth Express
Agency(New Delhi): The Indian Government has initiated several key measures to decarbonize the steel industry, as outlined by the Minister of State for Steel, Sh. Faggan Singh Kulaste, in the Lok Sabha. These initiatives reflect a concerted effort to reduce the carbon footprint of one of the most energy-intensive industries.
Central to these efforts is the formation of 14 Task Forces that include industry, academia, think tanks, science and technology bodies, various ministries, and other stakeholders. These groups are tasked with discussing, deliberating, and recommending strategies for the steel sector’s decarbonization.
The Steel Scrap Recycling Policy, established in 2019, plays a crucial role in enhancing the availability of domestically generated scrap. This policy aims to reduce coal consumption in steelmaking, thereby lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
In line with the focus on alternative energy sources, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has announced the National Green Hydrogen Mission. This mission targets the production and usage of green hydrogen, with the steel sector being a significant stakeholder.
The Motor Vehicles (Registration and Functions of Vehicles Scrapping Facility) Rules, introduced in September 2021, are designed to increase the availability of scrap for the steel sector. This initiative complements the National Solar Mission launched by MNRE in January 2010, which promotes solar energy use, indirectly contributing to emission reduction in the steel industry.
The Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) scheme, under the National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency, incentivizes the steel industry to reduce its energy consumption. This scheme is part of a broader strategy to encourage energy-efficient practices in industrial sectors.
Adoption of Best Available Technologies (BAT) globally in modernization and expansion projects is another key strategy. This approach ensures that Indian steel plants are equipped with the latest, most efficient technologies available worldwide.
Further, the implementation of Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) Model Projects for Energy Efficiency Improvement in steel plants marks a significant step towards enhancing energy efficiency.
Recognizing the global concern for developing a taxonomy for green steel, the Ministry of Steel has constituted a Task Force on the Development of Taxonomy for Green Steel. This body comprises industry experts, academia, think tanks, science and technology bodies, different Ministries/Departments, and other stakeholders to discuss and develop guidelines for green steel.
These initiatives reflect the Government of India’s commitment to transitioning the steel industry towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly practices, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change.