Transition to Green Steel Could Save India Over ₹100 Lakh Crore in Coal Imports
‘Green steel’ can help India avoid over Rs 100 lakh cr coal imports: Study

Image: Deccan Herald
A study suggests that India's steel industry could eliminate over ₹100 lakh crore in coal imports by adopting green hydrogen technology. This shift could help meet the country's steel production goals while reducing carbon emissions significantly over the next 40 years.
- 01India's steel production capacity is targeted to reach 300 million tonnes by 2030-31, requiring 5.8 billion tonnes of coking coal.
- 02The cost of coking coal imports over 40 years is estimated at ₹115 lakh crore (approximately $1.2 trillion).
- 03Green hydrogen production costs are projected to fall below $500 per tonne by 2035, making it competitive with conventional steel production.
- 04Transitioning to green steel could significantly reduce carbon emissions, with a potential release of 19.5 gigatonnes of CO2 from coal.
- 05The study emphasizes the need for a supportive market framework to facilitate the transition to green steel.
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A recent study by the India Energy and Climate Center and the Energy and Resources Group at the University of California, Berkeley, indicates that India's steel industry can significantly reduce its reliance on coal and avoid over ₹100 lakh crore (approximately $1.2 trillion) in coal imports by transitioning to green hydrogen technology. With a target to boost steel production capacity to 300 million tonnes by 2030-31, the industry currently faces the daunting prospect of importing 5.8 billion tonnes of coking coal, which would also contribute to an estimated 19.5 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide emissions. The study highlights that green hydrogen, produced domestically, could become cheaper than traditional methods by 2035, potentially costing less than $500 per tonne. This shift not only promises to mitigate financial risks associated with imported coal but also positions India favorably in international markets, particularly as carbon prices rise in the European Union. The researchers urge the need for a robust market framework to support the initial commercial projects in green steel, emphasizing long-term agreements and reliable access to clean energy.
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Shifting to green steel could stabilize India's steel industry against currency and price volatility risks associated with imported coal.
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