ग्रीन स्टील: भारत के जलवायु लक्ष्यों और औद्योगिक भविष्य को आकार देना

Green steel refers to steel produced using methods that significantly reduce or eliminate carbon emissions compared to traditional steelmaking. It is crucial for India because the steel sector contributes significantly (12%) to the country's carbon emissions, and India aims to triple its steel production by mid-century. Transitioning to green steel is essential to meet climate goals and maintain economic competitiveness.

Key facts include: the steel sector accounts for 12% of India's carbon emissions, India aims to triple steel production by mid-century, the Green Steel Roadmap was released in September last year, and the Green Steel Taxonomy was released in December 2024. Remember these dates and percentages for potential MCQs.

Major barriers include the high cost of green hydrogen, limited availability of renewable energy for industrial use, and the presence of a large informal scrap market. These factors make it difficult to shift investments away from traditional coal-based blast furnaces.

The author suggests implementing a carbon pricing regime, promoting green steel through public procurement policies, and ensuring the availability of natural gas as a transition fuel. A carbon pricing regime would make traditional steel production more expensive, incentivizing green alternatives.

The Green Steel Taxonomy, released in December 2024, likely provides a framework for defining and classifying green steel production methods. This helps investors and policymakers identify and support genuinely low-carbon steelmaking, directing investments towards sustainable practices.

The 400 million tonnes target highlights India's ambition to become a major steel producer. However, achieving this target sustainably requires a rapid shift to green steel production methods to avoid a significant increase in carbon emissions.

Recent developments include pilot projects and investments in hydrogen-based steelmaking technologies, and announcements by European steelmakers to phase out coal-fired blast furnaces. Government policies and funding mechanisms are increasingly supporting green steel initiatives.

By prioritizing green steel in government projects (e.g., infrastructure development), the government can create a guaranteed market for green steel producers. This encourages investment in green steel technologies and helps drive down production costs.

According to the topic, Sanjiv Paul and Bhupender Yadav are key personalities associated with green steel in India. Knowing their roles and perspectives can be helpful for the interview stage.

The push for 'green steel' emerged due to growing awareness of the steel industry's significant contribution to global carbon emissions. Traditional steelmaking processes, particularly coal-fired blast furnaces, are major sources of greenhouse gases. The movement gained momentum in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.