India targets to minimise 45 per cent of carbon emissions by 2030. One of the ongoing decarbonisation projects aims to use green hydrogen as an alternative fuel to partially replace coal 

India’s steel industry is exploring collaboration with Japan to combat carbon emissions, as revealed in an internal note from the steel ministry. The focus is on implementing specific technologies with funding from Japanese institutions. Decarbonisation efforts include a project utilising green hydrogen as an alternative to coal and another developing coke-making technologies with reduced coking coal usage and enhanced oven productivity.

India’s steel sector faces global scrutiny for its high carbon emissions due to reliance on raw materials like iron ore and coal, rather than alternatives. The steel ministry is contemplating partnerships with Japanese institutions to introduce cleaner technologies. The note emphasises the need to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from blast furnaces, currently ranging from 2.2–2.7 tonnes per tonne of crude steel produced (T/TCS), exceeding the global average of 1.8–2 T/TCS.

The internal note outlines two projects. ‘COURSE 50’ aims to cut blast furnace emissions by 30 percent by partially replacing coke with hydrogen. ‘SCOPE 21’ involves a high-end coke-making process using non-coking coal for increased plant productivity. The World Steel Association suggests retrofitting carbon capture, use and storage (CCUS) technologies into existing systems to curb carbon emissions projected to hit 8 billion tonnes by 2050.

India’s ambitious emission reduction targets include a 45 per cent cut by 2030, 70 per cent by 2047, and complete elimination by 2070. Plans involve introducing 1,500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy by 2030, emphasising renewable energy over thermal power in the steel industry. These initiatives align with India’s commitment to sustainability, reflecting a concerted effort by the steel industry to embrace cleaner, more efficient production methods.