India plans to nearly double its steel production by 2030, raising concerns about its impact on climate targets and global efforts to reduce steel emissions. Steel production accounts for almost 9 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, and India’s heavy use of coal in steelmaking puts it at the center of this issue.
Currently, steelmaking is responsible for up to 12 percent of India’s carbon emissions. If the country follows its current growth plans, these emissions could double within five years. At the same time, India aims to reach 500 gigawatts of clean energy capacity by 2030, including 100 gigawatts of solar power installed over the last decade. The country also targets net-zero emissions by 2070, which means balancing carbon emissions with removals or offsets. However, the reliance on coal in the steel industry threatens these climate ambitions.
India intends to increase its steel capacity from 200 million tonnes to over 330 million tonnes annually by 2030. More than 40 percent of the world’s planned new steel capacity is in India, and over half of this depends on coal. India emits around 2.6 tonnes of carbon dioxide for every tonne of steel, which is 25 percent higher than the global average. Countries like China emit less per tonne by using more recycled steel and retiring coal plants.
The country depends on low-cost domestic coal and older blast furnace technology that can continue operating for another 20 to 25 years. Limited natural gas supplies and a small, informal scrap steel recycling sector also restrict options for cleaner production. Additionally, India’s iron ore quality is lower, further locking the industry into coal-based methods.
Despite these challenges, India could still shift toward low-emission steel technologies. Most planned steel plants have not yet started construction, giving the country time to change course. Continuing with coal-based steel production could create risks beyond environmental damage. The European Union plans to enforce carbon border taxes on steel imports next year, which could reduce India’s competitiveness in global markets.
India has the opportunity to improve its steel industry by adopting cleaner technologies. This would help meet both climate goals and economic targets in the coming decades. The decisions made now will shape India’s role in the future of steel production and its impact on global emissions.
Author
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Rudolph Angler is a seasoned news reporter and author at New York Mirror, specializing in general news coverage. With a keen eye for detail, he delivers insightful and timely reports on a wide range of topics, keeping readers informed on current events.
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