The Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (IMMT) is leading a group, who are working on pioneering India’s first green steel initiative. They plan to do this through the use of a new method of making steel, which eliminates carbon emissions.

The group has created a new and innovative method, which rather than using fossil fuels which always release a measurable amount of carbon dioxide emissions, includes the use of hydrogen. Taking this approach means that the oxygen is removed from the iron ore and this results in the creation of sponge iron. This excellent material will then go forwards to manufacture steel through the use of an electric arc furnace.

Moving away from the ‘normal’ way of making steel and shifting towards an innovative new technique, is currently vitally important, as at the moment steel-making is a process which contributes to global carbon emissions. India’s aim in using cleaner methods is to lower the carbon footprint of its steel industry and therefore, align with global efforts focused on fighting climate change.

Supporting this project is the Ministry of Steel and it has been made clear that this project and this support is part of a bigger effort around making steel production more eco-friendly. Shifting from a method which uses coal, to a method which uses hydrogen, could benefit India massively and therefore could benefit the climate too.