India Pushes Green Steel Revolution at AIIFA STEELEX-2025 in Mumbai

The Indian steel industry marked a defining moment in its sustainability journey with the inauguration of AIIFA STEELEX-2025 and the 37th National Conference on Sustainable Steel, held at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai. The event, organized by the All India Induction Furnaces Association (AIIFA) Sustainable Steel Manufacturers Association, in collaboration with the Steel Manufacturers Association of Maharashtra (SMAM), was supported by the Ministry of Steel and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

A Call for Green Industrial Transformation

Union Minister for Steel and Heavy Industries, Shri Prahlad Joshi, addressed the inaugural session, stressing that green steel is central to India’s sustainable industrial growth. He underlined that the sector must align with the broader vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the dynamic leadership of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

“India’s steel sector stands at the core of our transition towards sustainable industrial growth. The shift to green steel is not just an economic objective, but a national imperative,” Shri Joshi declared.

Maharashtra as a Model for Clean Energy and Steel

The Minister lauded Maharashtra’s leadership in integrating renewable energy and green hydrogen into its industrial framework. He highlighted the state’s Green Hydrogen Policy, with a target of achieving 5 lakh TPA of green hydrogen capacity by 2030, and the launch of the Pune Hydrogen Valley Innovation Cluster. Maharashtra’s successful rollout of the PM-KUSUM scheme, popularly called the “Maharashtra Model”, was praised as a benchmark for other states.

“Maharashtra is emerging as a strong pillar in India’s green steel ecosystem. Its initiatives set an example for the entire nation,” Shri Joshi said.

National Green Hydrogen Mission and Steel Sector Roadmap

Shri Joshi detailed the Government’s National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM), with an outlay of ₹19,744 crore, aimed at producing 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030. The mission also seeks to add 125 GW of renewable energy capacity, attract ₹8 lakh crore in investments, create 6 lakh jobs, and cut 50 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions every year.

To support this, several initiatives have been launched, including the Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme, the Green Hydrogen Safety Panel, and the National Single Window Portal for Green Hydrogen & Electrolyser Manufacturing.

The Minister announced that five pilot projects worth ₹132 crore are already underway in the steel sector, while Kandla, Paradip, and Tuticorin are being developed as major Green Hydrogen Hubs.

Affordability, Innovation, and Global Competitiveness

Emphasizing affordability and quality, Shri Joshi noted that the cost of green hydrogen is expected to fall below $2/kg by 2030, aided by cheaper solar and hybrid power, and GST reductions on renewable energy equipment and electrolysers. He explained that reforms are making renewable energy projects like the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana and PM-KUSUM more cost-effective.

GST cuts alone are expected to reduce solar pump costs by ₹1,750 crore and lower rooftop solar system costs by ₹9,000–10,500 per unit, making green energy adoption more accessible.

The Minister linked these efforts to PM Modi’s vision of “Zero Defect, Zero Effect” and “Daam Kam, Dum Zyada”, underscoring that India’s green steel strategy is rooted in affordability, competitiveness, and environmental responsibility.

Investments, Jobs, and Regional Growth

On the sidelines of STEELEX-2025, seven strategic MoUs worth ₹25,560 crore were signed. These agreements are expected to generate 22,600 jobs and accelerate the development of Vidarbha as India’s steel hub.

“With its industrial and academic ecosystem, Maharashtra is poised to lead full-scale green hydrogen pilots and contribute to the global hydrogen value chain,” Shri Joshi stated.

Preparing for Global Trade and Sustainability Challenges

The Minister urged the steel sector to embrace circular economy practices and clean technologies to stay resilient against international trade challenges such as the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). He highlighted India’s ambition to export up to 50 million tonnes of steel annually and said that adopting green steel is essential for competitiveness in global markets.

Recognition and New Launches

The event also featured the launch of the Green Certificate, a recognition for steel manufacturers excelling in decarbonisation, energy efficiency, and adoption of clean technologies. Additionally, the official AIIFA STEELEX-2025 Souvenir was released, documenting innovations, policy updates, and sustainable practices in steel manufacturing.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis congratulated the Association for hosting the conference and reiterated that the green steel market is fast emerging as a vital growth engine for India’s future. He emphasized that achieving this goal is a collective responsibility under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi.

The AIIFA STEELEX-2025 conference underscored India’s commitment to transforming its steel sector into a global leader in sustainable practices. With ambitious policies, strategic investments, and strong state-level initiatives, India is poised to make green steel a cornerstone of its industrial future, ensuring economic growth with environmental responsibility.