Key takeaways from CII Green Steel Summit 2024

As global industries, including those in India, look towards these benchmarks, there is a clear pathway for fostering innovation in renewable energy solutions. The CII Green Steel Summit, organised during 25-26 July, 2024 provided a platform for these critical discussions, highlighting the necessary steps for achieving a sustainable and carbon-neutral future.

Siddharth Agrawal, Chairman Metals & Mining Sub Committee CII (ER) and Director Godawari Power & Ispat Ltd highlighted that the focus is on lowering carbon emissions and making the Indian steel industry more sustainable, aligning with global and national goals. Both the Indian government and the Chhattisgarh (CG) state government are committed to supporting initiatives that drive sustainability in the industry.

Global crude steel production reached 1,892 million tonnes (mnt) in 2023, with India contributing a share of 7.5%. Indian government is promoting green steel initiatives, providing policy support to foster sustainable practices in the industry.

Vishnu Deo Sai, Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh highlighted state's contribution in India's steel and iron ore industry as state is the hub for facilities like SAIL BSP, NMDC's iron ore deposits and Nagarnar steel plant. Chhattisgarh is working on policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions in the steel industry.

India has set an ambitious target to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2070.

Naveen Ahlawat, CPO & Hydrogen, Jindal Steel & Power emphasised on circularity in steel production specifically the reuse of scrap generated within steel plants. This practice not only reduces waste but also lowers the overall carbon footprint of steel production. In a pilot project to convert carbon dioxide (CO?) into carbon monoxide (CO), which is then used in the production of Direct Reduced Iron (DRI). This innovative approach aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions significantly.

The recent CII Green Steel Summit showcased critical insights into the European Union's legislative framework for setting targets and quotas for hydrogen use across various sectors. These regulations aim to drive the adoption of renewable energy and position hydrogen as a key player in achieving sustainability goals.

Dr. Jazaer Dawody, Senior Advisor, Swedish Energy Agency shared that the EU has established comprehensive renewable energy targets for member states, emphasising the importance of classifying energy sources as renewable to meet these goals.

• By 2030, at least 42% of all hydrogen used in industry must meet RFNBO (Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin) requirements, increasing to at least 60% by 2035. This includes hydrogen utilised for non-energy purposes, such as a raw material in steel and chemical industries.
  
  
• The greenhouse gas intensity of the energy used in this sector must decrease by at least 14.5%.
  
  
• Regardless of the choice, at least 5.5% of the energy used must consist of advanced biofuels and RFNBOs, with a minimum RFNBO content of 1%.
  
  

Dr Edwin Basson, Director General WSA highlighted that it is expected that global average intensity decreases to 1.39 CO2 kg/tCS with all regions showing intensity declines. WSD expects the global EAF share to increase from 28% in 2022 to 42% by 2040 based on the availability of scrap which is also used to reduce BOF hot metal ratios.

The discussions underscored the critical need for collaborative efforts between the government and industry players to achieve a sustainable and competitive steel industry in India. By focusing on reducing carbon emissions, leveraging renewable energy, and supporting green initiatives, India is poised to meet its future steel demand while adhering to global sustainability standards.