A group led by the Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (IMMT) is aiming to pioneer India’s first green steel initiative. Their plan involves using a new method to make steel that cuts out carbon emissions. Instead of using fossil fuels that release a lot of carbon dioxide, they’ll use hydrogen. This process removes oxygen from iron ore, creating what’s called sponge iron. This sponge iron will then be used to make steel using an electric arc furnace.
The Ministry of Steel is supporting this project, part of a bigger effort to make steel production more eco-friendly. Currently, steel production in India mostly relies on coal, which creates a lot of carbon dioxide. This new method using hydrogen could change that.
Other methods are also being considered, like injecting hydrogen into existing blast furnaces or mixing hydrogen with natural gas in other steel-making plants. These methods could help reduce fossil fuel use in steel production over time.
This move towards green steel is crucial because steel-making contributes significantly to global carbon dioxide emissions. By adopting cleaner methods, India aims to lower the carbon footprint of its steel industry, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change.
Efforts are also underway to bring down the cost of hydrogen, making it more affordable compared to current prices. This initiative could pave the way for a more sustainable steel industry in India and beyond. The Ministry is currently reviewing bids for these projects, with more developments expected in the near future.
