Transforming India's Steel Sector with Green Hydrogen: A Path to Sustainable Production
Key Ideas
- Under India's net-zero scenarios, green hydrogen is projected to play a significant role in steel production, contributing up to 41% of the total output by 2070.
- Investments of US$297-US$304 billion are required to achieve a 245 MMTPA H2-DRI capacity by 2070, with expectations of cost competitiveness by 2035.
- The transition to green hydrogen DRI-EAF route could lead to a 90% reduction in emissions and a decrease in production costs from US$600/ton in 2024 to US$421/ton by 2040.
- This whitepaper emphasizes India's potential to lead the global transition to sustainable steel production by addressing economic, technological, and logistical challenges through strategic interventions.
The whitepaper 'Role of Green Hydrogen in Indian Steel Sector' prepared by Ernst & Young (EY)-Parthenon in collaboration with WWF-India highlights the pivotal role of green hydrogen in transforming India's steel sector towards sustainability. The analysis within the paper outlines how the adoption of green H2-DRI and electric arc furnace (EAF) routes could significantly impact the steel industry's carbon footprint. By 2070, these green hydrogen-based methods are expected to contribute up to 41% of India's total crude steel output. Furthermore, the paper projects a 13% CAGR in green hydrogen demand, showcasing the potential growth in this sector. Investments totaling US$297-US$304 billion are deemed necessary to achieve a 245 MMTPA H2-DRI capacity by 2070. Despite initial higher costs, the decreasing trend in green hydrogen prices and the rise in global carbon prices are anticipated to enhance the cost competitiveness of green hydrogen-based steelmaking by 2035. The shift towards the green hydrogen DRI-EAF route not only promises a substantial reduction in emissions but also forecasts a decrease in production costs, making it a viable alternative to traditional steelmaking methods. The whitepaper concludes by emphasizing India's opportunity to drive sustainable steel production through green hydrogen, aligning with global carbon emission reduction goals. By overcoming economic, technological, and logistical challenges strategically, India can position itself as a leader in sustainable steel production, contributing to industrial innovation, energy security, and climate action for a greener future.
Topics
India
Technology
Energy Security
Sustainability
Carbon Emissions
Green Energy
Climate Action
Steel Industry
Economic Impact
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