The Ministry of Steel has approved a landmark Rs 5,000 crore incentive scheme aimed at accelerating low-emission steel production, with a strategic focus on India’s secondary steel sector. The plan is designed to encourage nearly 2,200 smaller steel units, which contribute about 47% of the country’s steel output, to adopt cleaner, sustainable technologies without the burden of upfront capital expenditure.
According to officials, the scheme will provide performance-based incentives linked to reductions in carbon emissions relative to the previous year. This approach is intended to overcome challenges associated with tracking subsidies across a large number of smaller producers, who often lack the financial capacity to invest in high-cost emission-reducing technologies. Experts said this method ensures accountability while directly rewarding measurable environmental performance. The initiative forms part of the proposed National Mission for Sustainable Steel, a broader framework aimed at reducing industrial carbon emissions in alignment with India’s commitments under the Paris Agreement. Officials noted that India’s steel industry is a significant contributor to national carbon emissions and faces increasing pressures from global trade policies, including the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). The CBAM will tie import tariffs to carbon intensity, potentially impacting steel exports if domestic production does not shift toward cleaner practices.
Under the new scheme, 75–80% of the total funds are expected to benefit the secondary steel sector, with larger integrated steel producers receiving proportionally smaller support. The government will monitor reductions in emissions to determine incentive disbursements, providing smaller manufacturers a clear path to adopt low-carbon technologies while maintaining operational efficiency. Industry officials have highlighted the dual benefits of the plan: promoting environmentally responsible practices and improving the competitiveness of Indian steel in global markets. “By linking incentives directly to emissions performance, the scheme encourages continuous improvement while keeping fiscal responsibility in focus,” said a senior official at the Ministry of Steel.
The low-emission initiative is also being positioned as a strategic measure to future-proof India’s steel sector against international regulatory pressures. With nearly half of national steel output coming from secondary units, incentivising this segment is critical to achieving meaningful reductions in industrial carbon footprints. Experts believe that if implemented effectively, the plan could accelerate India’s transition toward sustainable steel production while safeguarding jobs and supporting local economic development. The incentive scheme is expected to roll out over the next few months, with the government and industry stakeholders collaborating to ensure smooth implementation. Performance metrics will be regularly reviewed, and the program is designed to adapt as technology advances and as more secondary producers come online.
Steel Ministry Approves Rs 5000 Crore Scheme To Promote Low Emission Steel Production
