Carbon emissions from India are likely to grow three-fold by 2050 due to the increased steel consumption in the country.
Currently at 242 million tons, the CO2 emissions from the Indian steel industry is expected to touch 837 million tons in the next three decades.
This rise in CO2 emissions is going to be backed by a four-fold rise in the steel demand that is poised to reach 490 million tons, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) said in its latest report.
The rising steel demand will also contribute more than third of the emissions from fossil fuel combustion currently at 12%.
The Indian Government is planning to expand the country’s steel infrastructure over the next five years.
While the country currently has 977 steel plants, the government envisages to upgrade and build new ones with another USD 1.5 trillion investment.
Steel has been one of the major contributors to CO2 emissions from the Indian industry.
“If India is serious about mitigating carbon dioxide emissions to prevent the worst effects of climate change, then serious action needs to be taken in the iron and steel sector,” says Will Hall, Associate Fellow at TERI told a renowned business media.
“While there has been great success in the electricity sector with the growth of wind and solar, action in heavy industry, like iron and steel, will be more challenging,” Hall adds.
Hall further recommends the domestic industry to start using the domestic steel scrap, enhance energy efficiency and try testing low-carbon technologies.
TERI recommends introducing penalties for the industry on high emissions, beginning from 2030, to contain CO2 emissions and pave the way for supporting technologies.
Moreover, using coal or natural gas as a reducing agent with hydrogen will also help the nation reduce its import dependence and cut-down emissions.
