NEW DELHI: R K Singh, Minister for Power and New and Renewable Energy, Government of India, chaired a meeting with iron and steel industry stakeholders to discuss the pilot projects under the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
Addressing the officers and the industry representatives, Singh underlined the government’s thrust on energy transition and how this is important for the iron and steel sector as well. He stressed that the use of green hydrogen in steel making process can help in decarbonisation of the sector.
“Our idea is to help you to transition. If we use green hydrogen, then carbon content becomes low. So, we need to think of ways and means of doing that,” he stated.
The Minister added that in the wake of trade barriers being put up by developed countries, energy transition is important for the competitiveness of the sector as well.
Singh also informed that the funds available under the mission should be used to develop technology for the integration of hydrogen in the steel-making process.
“Some manufacturers have already begun to experiment using green hydrogen in the steel sector. The idea of this meeting is to decide the avenues in which the funds can be channeled to accelerate this transition, through a transparent selection process which also addresses the technology gaps that need to be addressed,” he said.
The industry representatives shared their concerns regarding the challenges faced in conducting trials. The possibility of executing projects by a consortium was also discussed.
The Minister directed that all efforts should be made to zero in on the right technology and pathways for decarbonisation of the steel sector. “If the need arises, additional funds can be allocated, besides the ₹455 crores already allocated for the steel sector under the National Green Hydrogen Mission,” said the Minister.