AIIFA Steelex 2025: Sustainable Steel Launch

Event Overview:

• Inauguration of AIIFA STEELEX-2025 and the 37th National Conference on Sustainable Steel in Mumbai.

Key Speakers:

• Union Minister for Steel and Heavy Industries, Prahlad Joshi, emphasized green steel's strategic importance for India’s sustainable growth.

Government Initiatives:

• PM-KUSUM Scheme: Recognized as "Maharashtra Model," supports the transition to sustainable development.
• Maharashtra’s Green Hydrogen Policy: Target to achieve 5 lakh TPA of Green Hydrogen capacity by 2030; establishment of Pune Hydrogen Valley Innovation Cluster.
• National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM):
  • Allocation: ₹19,744 crore.
  • Goals: Produce 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030, add 125 GW renewable energy capacity, attract ₹8 lakh crore investment, create 6 lakh jobs, and prevent 50 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions.

Current Projects:

• Five pilot projects in the steel sector worth ₹132 crore underway.
• Development of major Green Hydrogen Hubs in Kandla, Paradip, and Tuticorin.

New Schemes Launched:

• Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme.
• Green Hydrogen Safety Panel.
• National Single Window Portal for Green Hydrogen & Electrolyser Manufacturing.

Market Dynamics:

• Highlighted price projections: Green hydrogen expected to drop below $2/kg by 2030, influenced by reductions in renewable energy costs.
• Comparison of energy costs: Solar and hybrid power at ₹4.5 per unit vs. thermal power at ₹6.5 per unit.
• Impact of GST cuts on renewable energy equipment:
  • Reduced to 5% which will lower solar pump costs for farmers by ₹1,750 crore.
  • Roof solar systems costs reduction of ₹9,000–10,500 per unit.

Strategic Agreements:

• Seven strategic MoUs signed, worth ₹25,560 crore; projected to create 22,600 jobs and develop Vidarbha as India’s steel hub.

Future Outlook:

• Emphasis on readiness for global trade measures like the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).
• Vision for exporting up to 50 million tonnes of steel annually amidst expanding FTAs and domestic reforms.

AIIFA Overview:

• Represents over 1,800 members in the steel manufacturing sector advocating for sustainable growth and advancements in steel-making technology.
• Aims at enhancing product quality while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Green Certification:

• Launched to recognize steel manufacturers excelling in decarbonization and energy efficiency.

Key Quotes:

• Union Minister: "Green steel is now viable and scalable... rooted in affordability, quality, and environmental responsibility."
• Chief Minister: Acknowledged the emergence of a new market for green steel, underscoring collective responsibility for strategic progress.

Conclusion:

• The concerted efforts in promoting green steel and hydrogen technologies are positioned as critical for India’s industrial transformation and sustainable future.