Indian Steel Industry: Transition Towards Lower Embodied Carbon Emissions
At Firstgreen Consulting, we continually observe and evaluate the impacts of different industries on carbon emissions. The Indian steel industry is a key player in the country’s infrastructure development, and its evolution directly impacts the embodied carbon in the built environment.
Transitioning to Electric Arc Furnaces
Over recent years, the Indian steel industry has embarked on a significant transition, shifting from the traditional use of integrated steel mills and blast oxygen furnaces to electric arc furnaces (EAFs). EAFs, which use scrap steel as a primary input, are more efficient, and their rising adoption reflects a substantial reduction in the industry’s carbon footprint.
In 2016, a noteworthy 70% of all steel manufactured in India was produced using these efficient electric arc furnaces. Nonetheless, steel production remains energy-intensive, with steel for the built environment still responsible for 46 MMT of CO2 emissions annually. The carbon footprint of EAFs is closely linked to their energy sources, reinforcing the need for cleaner energy solutions.
Strategies for Reducing Embodied Carbon in Steel Production
Despite the inherent challenges, several measures can effectively reduce embodied carbon in structural steel. Here are some strategies:
- Low-Emissions Energy Sources: Specifying steel produced in facilities operating with low-emissions or zero-emissions energy sources such as hydroelectric, renewable hydrogen, solar, or wind can drastically reduce embodied carbon.
- Energy-Efficient Factories: Utilizing steel produced in energy-efficient factories ensures less energy consumption during production. Paired with cleaner electricity, this step can make a significant difference in reducing embodied carbon.
Structural Steel in the Indian Built Environment
Structural steel has a predominant role in Indian building construction, holding 46% of the market share for structural framing materials in nonresidential and multistory residential construction in 2017. Concrete and wood held 34% and 10% of the market share, respectively.
Although zero-carbon steel may not be market-ready today, the commitment to producing steel in efficient factories using cleaner energy sources paves the way towards a significant reduction in embodied carbon emissions.
The role of structural steel, and more specifically, steel reinforcing or “rebar”, which is typically embedded in concrete to enhance its tensile strength, is also pivotal. Efforts to reduce the embodied carbon in rebar production through similar strategies can further push the envelope towards sustainable construction practices.
In conclusion, the Indian steel industry’s transition to lower embodied carbon emissions is in progress. While challenges persist, the sector’s proactive shift towards more efficient production methods and cleaner energy sources forecast a sustainable future for the built environment.