The Union Minister for Power and New and Renewable Energy R. K. Singh chaired a meeting of government and industry stakeholders of the iron and steel sector in New Delhi on January 24, 2024, in order to discuss the pilot projects under the National Green Hydrogen Mission in the sector. Officials of Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, Ministry of Steel and industry representatives from the Iron & Steel sector participated in the deliberations.
Addressing the officers and the industry, the Union Minister underlined the Government’s thrust on energy transition and how this is important for the iron and steel sector as well. He stressed that use of Green Hydrogen in Steel making process can help the decarbonization of the sector. “Our idea is to help you to transition. If we use green hydrogen, then carbon content becomes low; so, we need to think of ways and means of doing that.” The Minister added that in the wake of trade barriers being put up by developed countries, energy transition is important for competitiveness of the sector as well.
The Union Power and New & Renewable Energy Minster informed that the funds available under the Mission should be used to develop technology for integration of Hydrogen in the Steel making process. “Some manufacturers have already begun to experiment using green hydrogen in steel sector. The idea of this meeting is to decide the avenues in which the funds can be channelled to accelerate this transition, through a transparent selection process which also addresses the technology gaps which need to be addressed.”
The industry representatives shared their concerns regarding the challenges faced for conducting trials. The possibility of executing projects by a consortium was also discussed. The Minister directed that all efforts should be made to zero in on the right technology and pathways for decarbonization of the steel sector. If need arises, additional funds can be allocated, besides the Rs. 455 Crores already allocated for the steel sector under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, said the Minister.
