Transforming India's Steel Industry Dynamics
Transforming India's Steel Industry Dynamics
• Business Context
Changing Workplace Dynamics
• Technology
• Steel Making – Green Steel
• Value Addition – Steel Applications, Special Steels, Space, Defense
• Energy consumption – SEC, Energy Efficiency, Maintenance Practices, Renewable Energy
• Sustainability – Environment (Air, Water) friendly processes,
• Digital Transformation – Data Analytics, Real Time Processing, Decision-making aids,
Communication
• Impact of advanced technologies – 3D printing for complex steel components
• Business Context
• Government Policy context – National & International, Infra Investment, PLI, Import/Export
duties, subsidies, Push to Green Steel
• Economic Development – GDP, Infra Investment
• Environmental concerns – Regulations, Climate Change, Emissions, Circular Economy, Waste,
Resource efficiency, Low carbon technologies
• Global Market Dynamics – Regulations, Demand, Price
• Workforce & Skills – Skills, Gaps, Training, DEI, Preferences of today’s youth
The Indian steel industry, a cornerstone of the nation's industrial growth, is undergoing significant trans-
formation. Some of the broad & key changes impacting large steel manufacturing plants are as follows;
1. Government Policies and Initiatives:
• Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme: This scheme aims to boost domestic manufacturing, including steel production. It provides incentives to
companies that invest in domestic manufacturing and R&D.
• Infrastructure Development: The government's focus on infrastructure projects, such as roads, railways, and urban development, drives demand for steel.
• Import Duties and Tariffs: Government policies on import duties and tariffs can influence the competitiveness of domestic steel producers.
• Green Steel Initiatives: The government is promoting the adoption of green steel technologies to reduce carbon emissions and improve environmental
sustainability.
2. Technological Advancements:
• Digital Transformation: The integration of digital technologies, such as IoT, AI, and automation, is increasing efficiency and productivity.
• Advanced Manufacturing Processes: The adoption of advanced manufacturing techniques, like 3D printing, enables the production of complex steel
components.
• Green Steel Technologies: The development and adoption of green steel technologies, such as hydrogen-based direct reduction, are crucial for reducing
carbon emissions.
3. Global Market Dynamics:
• Global Demand: Global demand for steel, particularly from emerging economies, influences the Indian steel industry's export potential.
• Trade Regulations: International trade policies and regulations can impact the export and import of steel products.
• Price Volatility: Fluctuations in global commodity prices, such as iron ore and coking coal, can affect the profitability of steel producers.
4. Sustainability and Environmental Concerns:
• Stricter Environmental Regulations: The Indian government is implementing stricter environmental regulations to curb pollution and promote sustainable
practices.
• Climate Change and Carbon Emissions: The steel industry is under pressure to reduce its carbon footprint and adopt low-carbon technologies.
• Circular Economy: The industry is exploring circular economy principles to minimize waste and maximize resource efficiency.
5. Workforce and Skill Development:
• Skill Gap: The industry faces a skill gap, particularly in areas like automation, digital technologies, and sustainable practices.
• Workforce Training and Development: Investing in workforce training and development is essential to upskill employees and adapt to technological
advancements.
India GDP Growth Rates
India GDP (PPP)
....and then sample this
• Comparison of steel versus cement usage
in India Steel consumption in construction
remains relatively low in India compared to
many developed countries.
• Adoption of steel-framed construction in
India is limited
• Currently, the ratio of India’s consumption
of steel to that of cement is around 0.3,
which is much lower than the ratio in many
developed nations. In advanced countries,
the ratio can reach up to 1.5 and higher.
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SAIL
Tata Steel
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India's Government is actively pushing towards the adoption of Green Steel,
aligning with its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.
Key Numbers- Targets - Commitments:
• Emission Target: India aims to reduce the emission intensity of the steel sector to 2.2 tCO2 per tonne by 2030.
• Net-Zero Target: The country aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070.
1. Green Steel Taxonomy:
• Definition: "Green Steel" is steel produced with CO2 emissions of less than 2.2 tonnes per tonne of finished steel.
• Classification: Steel is further categorized into classes based on emission intensity:
• Five-star Green-rated Steel: Emissions below 1.6 tonnes per tonne of alloy.
• Three-star Green-rated Steel: Emissions between 2 to 2.2 tonnes per tonne of alloy.
• Review: The emission thresholds for these classifications will be reviewed every three years.
2. Policy Framework:
• Decarbonization: The government is actively working on a comprehensive green steel policy to decarbonize the steel industry.
• Procurement: The government aims to prioritize the procurement of green steel for public infrastructure projects.
• Research and Development: Significant investments are being made to explore and implement innovative technologies
3. Industry Collaboration:
• Public-Private Partnerships: fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors to accelerate the transition to green steel.
• Industry Engagement: Regular consultations with industry stakeholders are being held to gather insights and shape policy decisions.
4. International Cooperation:
• Global Partnerships: to learn from global best practices and collaborate on green steel initiatives.
• Technology Transfer: Government is exploring opportunities for technology transfer and knowledge sharing with other countries.
PLI for Specialty Steel in India
Updated on: 14 FEB 2024 by PIB Delhi
• The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Specialty Steel, a vital initiative in India's industrial growth
trajectory, was notified in July 2021 for fostering investments and enhancing capacities in the specialty steel
segment.
• Under the PLI Scheme, 57 MoUs have been executed for generating an investment of ₹29,500 crores, additional
capacity of 25 MT for producing specialty steel grades and an additional employment to about 17,000 people by
FY 2027-28.
• Status of PLI Scheme for Specialty Steel
• As of Dec ’23, the selected companies have already invested about ₹12,900 crores against an investment commitment of ₹21,000
crores up to the current financial year.
• It is expected that another ₹3,000 crores will be invested by these companies during FY’24, i.e., about ₹16,000 crores of a total of
₹29,500 crores will be invested by FY 2023-24.
• The Ministry of Steel envisages an investment of ₹10,000 crore in FY 2024-25. It is also pertinent to mention that 5 units have
begun production, and 9 more units are expected to begin production in this quarter.
• Typically, investments in the steel sector have a long gestation period and depend on, inter alia, procurement of various
equipment, many of which are sourced from abroad.
• Delays due to unavoidable circumstances in the projects include supply chain delays due to geopolitical issues, unforeseen
events, natural disasters and changed market circumstances for certain PLI products also have an impact on the pace, phasing,
and the quantum of investment.
• Existing Specialty Products for PLI- Coated/Plated Steel Products, High Strength/Wear Resistant Steel, Specialty Rails,
Alloy Steel Products and Steel Wires
• Industry has sought to add Electrical Steel wires, bright bars, and stainless-steel components for defence
Global Market Dynamics
Global Demand and Supply Dynamics
• Infrastructure Development: Global infrastructure projects, particularly in emerging economies like China and India, drive significant demand for
steel.
• Automotive Industry: The growth of the global automotive industry, especially electric vehicles, creates demand for specialized steel products.
• Construction Sector: The construction sector, both residential and commercial, is a major consumer of steel.
• Supply Chain Disruptions: Global supply chain disruptions, such as those caused by geopolitical tensions or natural disasters, can impact the
availability and cost of raw materials and finished steel products.
Geopolitical Factors and Trade Policies
• Trade Wars and Tariffs: Trade disputes and tariffs imposed by countries can disrupt global trade flows and affect the competitiveness of steel
producers.
• Geopolitical Tensions: Geopolitical tensions can lead to uncertainties in the global market, impacting demand and supply.
• Export and Import Restrictions: Countries may impose export and import restrictions on steel products to protect domestic industries.
Technological Advancements and Sustainability
• Green Steel Technologies: The increasing focus on sustainability and reducing carbon emissions is driving the development and adoption of
green steel technologies.
• Digital Transformation: Digital technologies are transforming the steel industry, improving efficiency, reducing costs, and enabling data-driven
decision-making.
• Product Innovation: The development of high-performance steels with advanced properties is driving innovation and creating new market
opportunities.
Price Volatility and Commodity Market Trends
• Iron Ore and Coal Prices: Fluctuations in the prices of key raw materials, such as iron ore and coal, can significantly impact the profitability of
steel producers.
• Currency Exchange Rates: Changes in exchange rates can affect the competitiveness of steel producers in global markets.
• Market Speculation and Investor Sentiment: Market speculation and investor sentiment can influence steel prices and market volatility.
Per capital steel consumption 2019
India then- 74.2, current – 93.4 kg, Global average- 219 kg
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More numbers
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The move towards Sustainable Steel
• Decarbonisation: The Steel Sector's Green Challenge: The steel sector is a significant
contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for 7-9% of global emissions. In
response, major steel producers worldwide have committed to becoming carbon-neutral or
achieving net-zero emissions by mid-century.
• To address this challenge, the industry is exploring various technological solutions:
• Alternative Fuel Sources: Steel producers are investigating ways to replace traditional coal and
gas-fired power sources with greener alternatives. This includes the integration of solar and wind
farms into steel production processes.
• Hydrogen in Steel Production: Researchers are experimenting with replacing coke with hydrogen
in the blast-furnace process. While hydrogen usage produces only water as a byproduct, scaling
this technology to an industrial level remains a challenge due to limited hydrogen availability.
• HIsarna Process: This innovative technology eliminates the need for pre-processing raw
materials, reducing energy consumption and CO2 emissions by at least 20%. The HIsarna process
also significantly decreases emissions of hydrogen, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen, and nitrogen oxide.
• Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU): Steel plants are implementing CCU facilities using amine-
based technology to capture and reuse carbon dioxide on-site. In India, the captured gas with
higher calorific value is redirected to the plant’s gas network for more efficient industrial heating.
The move towards Sustainable Steel
Circular Economy and Recycled Steel:
• The adoption of a circular economy
model is crucial for the sustainable
transformation of steel production.
• Recycled steel, combined with green
electricity, offers a promising solution
for decarbonisation.
• Ongoing research aims to enable
multiple cycles of steel reuse without
compromising quality, allowing for
increased use of steel scrap in the
manufacturing process.
Technology Impact on Future of Steel
Artificial Intelligence: Revolutionizing Steel Production. AI applications:
• Enhancing yield
• Enhancing throughput
• Enhancing quality
• Reducing energy consumption in mining and manufacturing processes
• Reducing emissions in mining and manufacturing processes
• Improving process control through AI-assisted operator decisions
• Implementing predictive models for asset management and equipment
failure prevention
• E.g. Tata Steel has deployed over 250 AI models across their value chain,
delivering critical insights for timely and effective decision-making
Technology Impact on Future of Steel
Industry 4.0 and the Future of Steel….ushering in a new era of steel
production. These enable:
• Hyper-personalized experiences for customers and stakeholders
• Improved efficiency and productivity across the supply chain
• Enhanced sustainability practices and resource optimization
MSSSPL Financial, Recruitment, Process Office Order Packaging, Order Customer Installation,
Metrics Planning, Training, Design, supplies, office processing production processing managemen education &
(Exhibit 5) Accounting Compensation, Product equipment, , control, for finished t training
, Investor etc. Design, machines, transporta quality goods, , sales upgrades,
Relations, Market components, t ion, control, dispatch/tr analysis, warranty,
etc. Testing, etc. storage, maintenanc a market complaint
Research & raw e nsportation research, resolution,
Development, material , etc. , delivery, promotion, repair &
etc. delivery, invoicing, advertising maintenance
manufactu etc. , etc. services, etc.
r ing, etc.
Definition of Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 Emissions
Type of Emissions Definition Activities Causing Emissions
Scope 1: Direct Emissions from source owned - Emissions from combustion in owned or controlled
GHG Emissions or controlled by the company.a boilers, furnaces, vehicles, etc.
- Emissions from chemical production in owned or
controlled process equipment
Scope 2: Indirect Emissions from the generation - Generation of electricity, heat, or steam purchased by
Emissions of purchased electricityb the company from a utility provider
consumed by a company where
the emissions occur physically at
the facility where electricity is
generated
Scope 3: Other An optional reporting category - Extraction and production of purchased goods and
Indirect GHG that allows for treatment of all services
Emissions other indirect emissions that are - Business travel
a consequence of the activities - Employee commutes
of a company but from sources
not owned or controlled by the - Waste disposal
company. These are also known - Use of sold products
as value chain emissions. - Upstream & downstream transportation distribution
- Investments
- Leased assets and franchises
MSSSPL has set an SBTi commitment to reduce their Scope 1, 2, and 3
emissions by 35% by the year 2030 over the baseline year of 2016.
Toward this end, the company has undertaken the following measures:
● Addressing Scope 1/Direct emissions: MSSSPL followed the EAF route in the steel manufacturing process and used 65% scrap steel as the
basic raw material. It installed oxy- fuel technologies in its furnaces, installed a 6 MW waste heat recovery boiler, installed new burners
for preheating ladles, and improved pump efficiencies.
● Addressing Scope 2/Indirect emissions: MSSSPL was taking incremental steps to reduce its dependence on fossil-fuel-based energy
sources and increase the share of renewable energy in its energy mix. An energy policy was formulated to ensure that the energy
utilization in various stages of the manufacturing process was optimized. MSSSPL set a target of cumulative reduction in specific
electricity consumption and specific oil consumption by 20% and 70%, respectively. Energy-efficient low carbon lighting and motion
sensors were also installed in its premises. MSSSPL also installed a 4 MW solar power plant to reduce electricity consumption by 2%.
About 4% of its power requirements were now met from renewable energy sources.
● Addressing Scope 3 emissions: The major sources of Scope 3 emissions at MSSSPL were from procurement activities such as purchased
goods and services, including capital goods and fuel- and energy-related activities across the value chain. MSSSPL conducted an
Environmental Lifecycle Assessment (E-LCA) for its products to assess their environmental impact due to production, consumption, and
disposal. Plans were underway to conduct a Social Lifecycle Assessment (S-LCA) to assess the social aspects of its products and their
impact throughout their lifecycle. It had company-specific sustainability dashboard metrics across 30 environmental, social, and
governance (ESG) parameters to map progress along the sustainability journey of the company, which helped track and monitor Scope 3
and other indirect GHG emissions. The company worked on training and capacity building for its suppliers and engaged with them at
regular intervals on several aspects related to energy efficiency, emissions reduction, safety measures, lifecycle assessment, etc. The
company is currently reporting on 11 of the 15 Scope 3 emissions categories.
Climate-Change Related Risks to Steel Businesses
Physical Risks ● Supply chain disruptions due to water scarcity, power shortages, obstructed transportation,
etc., caused by extreme weather conditions.
● Loss of assets due to the impact of extreme weather events such as physical damage to
buildings and equipment.
● Declining productivity due to increasing temperatures.
Legal Risks ● Litigation risks in the form of lawsuits against businesses for inadequate reporting and
disclosures where compensation may be sought for previous undisclosed emissions.
Market Risks ● Fluctuations in demand and supply due to climate-change-related events.
● Failure to recognize market trends and business opportunities presented by climate change.
For instance, climate change may impact the revenue streams of fossil-fuel-dependent
businesses.
● Changing consumer preferences.
Technological Risks ● Mitigation and adaptation are not alternatives and need to be pursued actively. Climate change
impact is usually felt after a long-time lag, and hence it is important to adopt technological
changes in incremental steps when there is still time and it is still affordable, by investing in
energy- saving equipment, setting up renewable energy infrastructure, developing green
buildings, new irrigation systems, etc., which will prevent large-scale and prohibitively
expensive technological disruptions later.
Reputational Risks ● Corporates are increasingly associated with inadequate actions to curb GHG emissions. They
are perceived as environmentally “dirty.” Climate change is not only an environmental problem
but also a socioeconomic issue that businesses must factor into their brand valuation and
reputation.
Regulatory Risks ● Unanticipated international, national, and regional policy actions and regulations on curbing
GHG emissions. If actions are not taken now, regulations may put a higher price on CO2
emissions in the future, which can pose a huge threat to investor portfolios.
● Regulations to increase energy costs.
Opportunities associated with its SBTi commitments for climate change
mitigation, thus easing the transition to a low carbon future
● Increased Innovation potential: Deploying oxyfuel technology to reduce dependence on oil consumption, improving heat
transfer in combustion, reducing the pollution load, switching to green hydrogen to enable carbon-free steel production,
and increasing the use of scrap steel for manufacturing were some of the measures MSSSPL took to achieve product and
process efficiencies with minimal environmental impact.
● Resilience against regulatory uncertainties: Through eco-friendly business practices, MSSSPL significantly reduced the high
costs associated with unanticipated regulatory policies needing strict compliance. The evaluation of capital projects could
also be improved if the potential costs of environmental corrective measures are incorporated in the company’s
sustainability strategy.
● Greater confidence and credibility: A company focused on community relations and public opinion will factor in the
environmental and social costs of doing business. Greener business models in steel such as producing steel from hydrogen
fuel, deriving electricity from renewable sources, and increasing the share of scrap steel in raw material usage are some
measures that would inspire confidence in the new generation of ethically conscious young investors, customers,
employees, and other stakeholders.
● Sharper competitive advantage: Through energy-efficient steel manufacturing, MSSSPL could gain a significant cost
advantage over its competitors. By-products of steel production such as slag, sludge, and dust could either be recycled and
used in its manufacturing processes or sold for other applications, thus generating newer revenue streams. Thus, MSSSPL
could help create a circular economy by identifying avenues of using steel production waste in other processes.
•
POSSIBLE OPTIONS FOR MSSSPL TO ADDRESS VALUE CHAIN
EMISSIONS
Options for Measures
MSSSPL
Carbon fee An internal carbon pricing would help MSSSPL prepare for future stricter regulations on cutting carbon emissions. The amount collected from the fee
charged per metric ton of carbon emissions could be used to fund sustainability initiatives within the value chain of MSSSPL. To reduce the financial and
environmental costs associated with employee business travel, one of the major sources of Scope 3 emissions, MSSSPL could put a price on the estimated
carbon emissions from each flight journey.
Virtual To reduce vehicular emissions from employee commutes to the workplace, virtual meeting formats and flexible work-from-home models could be
work-from- deployed to the extent possible.
home
models
Green MSSSPL could improve product, process, and energy efficiencies by reducing its dependence on coal for production and replacing it with green hydrogen.
hydrogen Green hydrogen is being paraded as the fuel of the future by the Indian government and governments across the world. Although expensive, green
hydrogen production uses renewable energy for hydrogen production, which could significantly mitigate MSSSPL’s carbon footprint with minimal impact
on the quality of steel. If MSSSPL adopts green hydrogen in its processes, it could gain a competitive advantage and influence other larger corporates in
India to
green their production processes and supply chain.
Supply chain To the maximum extent possible, MSSSPL should source all its materials and products locally to not only save on costs, but also to help decarbonize the
engagement supply chain significantly. MSSSPL could offer resources in terms of financial and information support to their supply chain partners to assist them with
their sustainability journey. Suppliers who refuse to follow a low carbon trajectory could be dropped or replaced with more environmentally conscious
vendors. Being a large corporate, MSSSPL should play a leading role in training and capacity-building programs aimed at raising awareness among suppliers
on issues such as product life cycle assessment, GHG emissions reduction measures, energy efficiency, safety measures, reducing emissions from
transportation, etc.
Science- SBTN integrates the planetary boundaries framework into the SBTi target setting process. The planetary boundaries represent nine ecological ceilings:
Based ocean acidification, climate change, chemical pollution, nitrogen and phosphorous loading, freshwater withdrawals, land conversion, biodiversity loss, air
Targets pollution, and ozone layer depletion. We have transgressed four of these boundaries, and business organizations and governments need to collaborate to
Network strategize pathways to bring these ecological boundaries within safe operating limits for humanity to thrive. MSSSPL could be a part of this global alliance
(SBTN) and the first within the sector to set targets that involve not only GHG mitigation but each planetary boundary that is affected by steel
production directly or indirectly, as proposed in the SBTN framework.
End Note
• Leaders will need to think and act as connectors, ensuring that employees down the hierarchy
understand the vision and are involved in the decision-making process.
• For scaling up sustainability actions and for them to succeed, strong networks must be built that
buzz with constructive actions to reinforce the constructive policies that leaders want to spread.
• This will reinforce a positive mindset among employees through habit-forming rituals.
• For instance,
• encouraging employees to conserve electricity by switching off appliances and lights in office
spaces that are not in use;
• disposing of garbage appropriately; going plastic-free;
• inculcating a reduce, reuse, recycle culture are some progressive steps toward building a
socially and environmentally conscious organization.
• It is only when this mindset of the leaders has been assimilated within the organization that
leaders can create the right company-level culture for conducting business responsibly.
Sources