Steel Ministry Convenes Chintan Shivir to Accelerate India’s Green Steel Transition

India’s push towards sustainable industrial growth gathered fresh momentum as the Ministry of Steel organised a one day Chintan Shivir at the National Institute of Secondary Steel Technology in Mandi Gobindgarh. The deliberations marked a significant step in shaping a structured roadmap for green steel production, particularly in the secondary steel sector that contributes nearly half of the country’s total output.

Senior officials from the Ministry of Steel, representatives of CPSEs, industry associations, and technical experts participated in the discussions. The focus was clear. India must reduce carbon emissions while sustaining its strong growth trajectory in steel production, consumption and installed capacity, which continues to expand annually.

During the sessions, participants examined emerging low carbon technologies such as hydrogen injection in blast furnaces and hydrogen use in rotary kiln based iron making. The potential of Battery Energy Storage Systems to optimise renewable energy use and reduce grid dependence was also reviewed. Experts discussed vertical shaft based direct reduced iron production using water gas, which offers flexibility in fuel usage and lower emissions.

The Ministry also highlighted efforts to introduce incentive mechanisms aimed at supporting technology upgrades in the secondary steel sector. NISST, which has been designated as the nodal agency for green steel certification, continues to strengthen capacity building initiatives across steel clusters and has already issued green steel certificates to several units.

Export opportunities for alloy steel products were assessed alongside challenges posed by global mechanisms such as carbon linked trade regulations. The dialogue brought together policy makers and industry leaders with a shared objective of positioning India as a responsible and competitive steel producer.

The Chintan Shivir reinforced the government’s commitment to aligning industrial expansion with environmental responsibility, laying the foundation for a resilient and future ready green steel ecosystem.