Steel is the world’s most versatile material with numerous grades and application. It is 100% recyclable. Steel making technologies can adopt carbon reducing technologies.
India is the second largest steel producing country in the world. India produced 149 million tons of steel out of total 1.9 billion tons of steel production in the world in 2024. China, the largest steel producer, produced 1005 million tons which is more steel than all other countries combined. The steel production of the major countries in 2024 is as follows:
China 1005 Mt (1), India 149 Mt (2), Japan 84 Mt (3), US 80 Mt (4), Russia 71 Mt (5), South Korea 64 Mt (6), Germany 37 Mt (7) & Turkey 37 Mt (7), Brazil 34 Mt (8) and Iran 31 Mt (9) and rest of world 293 Mt [1]. China’s growth is incredible year over year. But India, in terms of steel making growth rates today, leads the top 10 largest steel producing countries by a wide margin. Carbon emission from steel making remains a major challenge today. India produces 2.54 tons of CO2 per ton of steel produced compared to the global average of 1.91 tons and 2.33 tons in China. India plans to achieve zero CO2 emission in its economy by 2070. Consequently India would achieve complete zero CO2 emission in its steel industry too by 2070. When the green transition of Indian steel industry is reviewed, the target of emission free steel making in India by 2070 is found challenging but realistic and the green transition of Indian steel industry highly promising. Carbon emissions from steel making depend on steel making route. The recent 2023 data is given below

The transition to low-carbon technologies in the Indian steel industry must also incorporate advancements in energy efficiency and renewable energy integration. By prioritizing the development of sustainable practices, the industry can not only mitigate its carbon footprint but also enhance its competitiveness in a rapidly evolving global market. Investment in research and innovation is crucial to achieve scalable solutions that align with national sustainability goals. Collaboration among stakeholders will be essential to foster the adoption of these technologies and ensure a comprehensive approach to decarbonization.