SAIL, or Steel Authority of India Ltd., is undertaking a range of initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint and support the country’s “green steel” movement. According to SAIL Chairman Amarendu Prakash, speaking at the company’s 53rd Annual General Meeting (AGM), the company is exploring several avenues to achieve this goal. Among the key measures are trials with green hydrogen, the implementation of carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) technologies, the injection of biocharBiochar is a carbon-rich material created from biomass decomposition in low-oxygen conditions. It has important applications in environmental remediation, soil improvement, agriculture, carbon sequestration, energy storage, and sustainable materials, promoting efficiency and reducing waste in various contexts while addressing climate change challenges. More, and the adoption of renewable energy sources.

These efforts are in line with a new definition of “green steel” introduced by the Ministry of Steel in December 2024. This policy is designed to incentivize the reduction of carbon emissions within the steel industry. The taxonomy classifies steel based on its “greenness,” which is directly related to its CO2 equivalent emission intensity. To be classified as green steel, the emission intensity must be less than 2.2 tonnes of CO2 per tonne of finished steel.

The ministry’s policy also includes a star-rating system to further delineate emission performance. A 5-star rating is awarded for emissions of 1.6 tonnes of CO2 or less per tonne of finished steel. A 4-star rating is for emissions between 1.6 and 2 tonnes, while a 3-star rating is given for emissions between 2 and 2.2 tonnes. These ratings provide a clear framework for companies to measure their progress. With five integrated steel plants and a total installed capacity exceeding 21 million tonnes, SAIL’s commitment to these sustainable practices is significant for the industry.

SOURCE: SAIL on its ‘green steel’ journey, reducing carbon footprint