The Aryavarth Express
Agency(Hisar): On March 4, 2024, Union Minister for Steel and Civil Aviation, Sh. Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, virtually inaugurated India’s first Green Hydrogen Plant in the Stainless Steel Sector, located at Jindal Stainless Limited, Hisar. This groundbreaking initiative represents a significant leap towards sustainable steel production, aligning with India’s broader commitment to environmental conservation and green growth.
The plant, recognized as the world’s first off-grid Green Hydrogen facility for the stainless steel industry, and the world’s first to incorporate both rooftop and floating solar technologies, is a testament to India’s innovative approach to tackling climate change. The project aims to significantly reduce carbon emissions by around 2,700 Metric Tonnes per annum, contributing to a reduction of 54,000 tons of CO2 emissions over the next two decades.
Union Minister Scindia emphasized India’s rich environmental heritage and the modern strategies being employed to revitalize this tradition. He highlighted the government’s dedication to balancing economic progress with ecological sustainability, pointing to initiatives like the Panchamrit strategy and Mission LiFE as examples of India’s holistic development approach.
The inauguration also underscored the pivotal role of the National Green Hydrogen Mission in transforming India’s steel industry. Launched with an outlay of approximately ₹20,000 crore, the mission aims to position India as a global hub for the production, usage, and export of Green Hydrogen and its derivatives. This initiative is particularly significant for the steel sector, which has transitioned from a net importer to a net exporter, with ambitions to become the world’s leading producer of crude steel.
Union Minister Scindia called upon industry stakeholders to embrace clean technologies and participate actively in India’s journey towards a greener economy. He stressed the government’s readiness to implement robust green policies, including the Steel Scrap Recycling Policy, to ensure a sustainable and competitive steel industry.
The Green Hydrogen Plant at Jindal Stainless Limited not only sets a new standard for eco-friendly production practices in the steel sector but also exemplifies the potential for industrial innovation to contribute to India’s environmental goals. As India continues its journey towards net-zero carbon emissions by 2070, initiatives like this plant play a crucial role in demonstrating the feasibility and benefits of green growth and green jobs in driving the nation’s sustainable development.
