The Indian government has defined green steel as steel with CO2 emissions of less than 2.2 tons per ton of finished product. A star rating system defines steel products based on their emission levels, with steel having emissions of less than 1.6 tons of CO2 receiving a 5-star rating. This framework aims to decarbonize the steel industry and promote sustainable practices.
New Delhi: The government on Thursday unveiled the definition of green steel and asked the industry to take measures to reduce carbon emissions to less than 2.2 tons per ton of finished product. Union Steel Minister HD Kumaraswamy also released the ‘Green Steel Classification’ with parameters for awarding star ratings based on the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted during the product manufacturing process.
This new framework will guide efforts to decarbonize steel production and encourage green practices throughout the value chain.
In his speech, Steel Secretary Sandeep Poundrik stated that there is no universally accepted definition for green steel. Different methods are used by various entities.
Based on the recommendations of a task force, as well as the ministry’s reviews, today we have released what we will consider as green steel in the Indian context,” he said.
According to the ministry’s classification, green steel will be defined in terms of green percentage, which is produced from a steel plant with a carbon dioxide emission intensity of less than 2.2 tons per ton of finished steel.
The minister stated, ‘The steel industry has been the backbone of India’s industrial growth, and it is essential that this vital sector moves towards a sustainable transformation as the country continues to progress.”
He added, ‘Adopting green practices is not a choice, but a necessity for the greater humanity.
The steel industry accounts for approximately 7% of global carbon dioxide emissions, and India, as the second-largest steel producer, has both the responsibility and the opportunity to lead in emissions reduction while maintaining its growth, Kumaraswamy said.
So, anything below 2.2 carbon (carbon dioxide emissions)… is considered green steel… and we did this so that not only the industry, the ministry, the stakeholders, but also the consumers know that they are using green steel,” the secretary said.
If 1.6 tons of carbon dioxide or less are emitted in the production of 1 ton of finished steel, it will be considered 5-star rated green steel. For emissions in the range of 1.6 to 2 tons, the product will receive a 4-star rating.
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