New Delhi: The Union Minister for Power and New and Renewable Energy, Shri R. K. Singh, led a meeting of government and industry stakeholders from the iron and steel sector in New Delhi today. The primary agenda was to discuss pilot projects under the National Green Hydrogen Mission specifically tailored for the iron and steel industry. Participants included officials from the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, the Ministry of Steel, and representatives from the Iron & Steel sector.
Addressing the gathering, Minister R. K. Singh highlighted the government’s commitment to energy transition and its significance for the iron and steel sector. He emphasized that the use of Green Hydrogen in the steel-making process could play a pivotal role in the sector’s decarbonization. “Our idea is to help you transition. If we use green hydrogen, then carbon content becomes low; so, we need to think of ways and means of doing that,” stated the Minister. He also noted the importance of energy transition for the sector’s competitiveness, especially in the face of trade barriers erected by developed countries.
The Minister outlined that funds allocated under the National Green Hydrogen Mission should be utilized to develop technology for integrating hydrogen into the steel-making process. “Some manufacturers have already begun to experiment using green hydrogen in the steel sector. The idea of this meeting is to decide the avenues in which the funds can be channeled to accelerate this transition through a transparent selection process, addressing the technology gaps that need attention,” he added.
During the discussions, industry representatives shared their concerns regarding challenges faced in conducting trials. The possibility of executing projects through a consortium was also explored. Minister Singh directed that all efforts should be focused on identifying the right technology and pathways for the decarbonization of the steel sector. Additionally, he assured that if needed, additional funds could be allocated, apart from the Rs. 455 Crores already earmarked for the steel sector under the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to collaborative efforts between the government and the iron and steel industry to facilitate a smoother and more sustainable transition towards green hydrogen in the sector.