� OPINION �
The steel industry , alongside transportation and electricity generation , is one of the top three contributors to carbon emissions . India , along with China and the USA , is a major emitter . Globally , steel production accounts for approximately 8 % of CO 2 emissions , with each tonne of steel produced generating around 1.85 metric tonnes of CO 2
. In India , this figure is even higher , with crude steel production emitting 2.5 Mt of CO 2 per tonne — 12 % of the country ’ s total emissions .
The challenge of reducing the carbon footprint is immense for the Indian steel sector . In line with its commitment made at COP26 in Glasgow in November 2021 , India has pledged to achieve carbon neutrality by 2070 . This presents a significant challenge , especially with steel demand expected to grow in the future .
The road to carbon neutrality
To address this , the industry must adopt short , medium , and long-term strategies to reduce emissions and achieve carbon neutrality within the designated timeline .
As technology evolves , the industry must remain focused on transitioning from traditional
steel production methods to green steel production . This transition should be as seamless as possible , with the necessary funding secured over the long term .
Key measures to reduce carbon emissions in India
In India , several initiatives are already underway to reduce carbon emissions in steel production . Many companies are shifting from coal to natural gas , and eventually to hydrogen , to significantly cut their carbon output . Increasing the use of scrap in steelmaking from 15 % to 30 %, and exploring carbon capture and utilization ( CCUS ) technologies , are also being
The window for switching to lower-emission technologies is narrow , but failing to invest in new technologies could lead to even higher costs in the future — or , worse , plant closures .
Green Steel World | Issue 15 | November 2024 43