India Accelerates Low Carbon Technologies To Transform Steel And Cement Manufacturing
India is accelerating the shift to low-carbon technologies in the steel and cement industries through seven joint India–Sweden projects that test hydrogen-powered ironmaking, electrified rotary kilns, steel-slag recycling, AI-driven concrete optimisation and advanced carbon-capture systems. Backed by leading companies and research institutes, the initiative aims to create scalable decarbonisation models for two of India’s highest-emitting sectors, supporting the country’s wider push toward cleaner, climate-resilient industrial growth.
The steel sector accounts for nearly 10–12% of India’s total emissions, while cement contributes close to 6%, making them central to the country’s industrial transition. Officials involved in the programme said these collaborations are designed to evaluate technologies that can reduce process emissions—one of the most challenging aspects of decarbonising heavy industry. They noted that the goal is not just technological adoption, but also long-term resilience, energy efficiency and improved material utilisation as India moves toward its 2070 net-zero target.The seven projects form part of the LeadIT industrial transition partnership supported by India’s Department of Science and Technology and the Swedish Energy Agency. Each initiative will run pre-pilot feasibility studies in India to examine whether emerging solutions can operate safely and economically at scale. Researchers from IIT Bombay, IIT Hyderabad, IIT-ISM Dhanbad, IIT Bhubaneswar and other institutions will play a key role in assessing operational performance and refining pathways for future commercialisation.
One major area of focus is the repurposing of steel slag, a by-product typically underutilised in India. Companies and academic partners are exploring its conversion into supplementary cementitious materials, with experts saying this could significantly cut clinker use—one of the largest emission sources in cement production. This model of industrial symbiosis, they added, may also reduce waste and resource pressure as India’s infrastructure demand continues to rise.Hydrogen remains central to several projects. Teams are evaluating electrified rotary kilns and gas-heating systems powered by hydrogen and renewable energy, which could reduce dependence on fossil fuels in ironmaking. Industry analysts said such technologies are becoming increasingly important as global buyers look to source low-emission steel and cement, placing competitive pressure on Indian manufacturers.Meanwhile, carbon-capture solutions are being studied to address unavoidable emissions in cement production. Project teams will assess amine absorption, hot potassium carbonate processes and membrane-based systems to determine which configuration suits Indian operating conditions. Complementing this, an AI-enabled platform will optimise concrete mixes by reducing material intensity without compromising strength, a step experts believe can support greener urban construction.
Stakeholders said these collaborations show how cross-border innovation can accelerate industrial transformation in hard-to-abate sectors. While the projects are still in early exploratory stages, they could lay the foundation for cleaner factories, reduced resource consumption and more sustainable building materials—key components of India’s journey toward inclusive, climate-resilient and low-carbon cities.
