39 Steel Producers Seek Green Certification Under India’s New Emission Norms

A total of 39 iron and steel producers have applied for green steel certification. This effort supports India’s goal of reducing industrial carbon emissions, as Parliament was informed on Tuesday.

Minister of State for Steel, Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma, stated in the Lok Sabha that the certifications will be granted based on the emission levels set out in the Green Steel Taxonomy introduced by the government in December 2024.

The taxonomy categorizes green steel based on the carbon dioxide (CO₂) emitted per tonne of finished steel. Plants that emit 1.6 tonnes or less per tonne of steel will receive a 5-star rating. Emissions between 1.6 and 2 tonnes will earn a 4-star rating, while emissions from 2 to 2.2 tonnes will be classified as 3-star.

The National Institute of Secondary Steel Technology (NISST), under the Ministry of Steel, is the main agency for the certification process. It will manage measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) and issue both green steel certificates and star ratings.

This initiative is part of India’s effort to reduce carbon emissions in heavy industries and support climate goals, especially in the high-emission steel sector. Steelmaking plays a major role in India’s industrial CO₂ emissions. The green steel certification aims to promote cleaner technologies and sustainable practices.

The response in Parliament shows growing interest from the industry in meeting climate-friendly standards. This could change the future of steel production in India.