Mumbai: Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, Maharashtra CM Fadnavis inaugurate "Steel Mahakumbh"

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], September 19 (ANI): Union Minister for Steel and Heavy Industries Prahlad Joshi on Friday addressed the inaugural session of AIIFA STEELEX-2025 and the 37th National Conference on Sustainable Steel in Mumbai.
The event was organised by the AIIFA Sustainable Steel Manufacturers Association in collaboration with the Steel Manufacturers Association of Maharashtra (SMAM) and supported by the Ministry of Steel, Government of India, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), said an official release from the Ministry of Steel.
Speaking at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai, the Union Minister emphasised the strategic importance of green steel in India's sustainable growth and industrial transformation.
"India's steel sector stands at the core of our transition towards sustainable industrial growth. The shift to green steel is not just an economic objective, but a national imperative, fully aligned with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis," Joshi stated.
He acknowledged the contribution of AIIFA, which represents over 1,800 stakeholders in the secondary steel sector, in enabling the growth of low-carbon, future-ready ecosystems across India.
Praising Maharashtra for its pioneering role in sustainable development, the Minister lauded the state's forward-looking initiatives, including the successful implementation of the PM-KUSUM scheme, popularly known as the "Maharashtra Model".
He highlighted the ambitious target of achieving 5 lakh TPA of green hydrogen capacity by 2030 under the state's Green Hydrogen Policy, as well as the launch of the Pune Hydrogen Valley Innovation Cluster, positioning Maharashtra at the forefront of India's clean energy transition.
"Maharashtra is emerging as a strong pillar in India's green steel ecosystem. Its integration of renewable energy and green hydrogen projects sets a benchmark for other states to emulate," the Minister said.
Highlighting the government's thrust under the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM), Joshi noted that the Mission, with an outlay of Rs 19,744 crore, aims to produce 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030, add 125 GW of renewable energy capacity, attract Rs 8 lakh crore in investments, create 6 lakh jobs, and prevent 50 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions per year.
He informed us that five pilot projects worth Rs 132 crore are already underway in the steel sector, while Kandla, Paradip, and Tuticorin are being developed as major green hydrogen hubs. To support this ecosystem, the Government has launched the Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme, the Green Hydrogen Safety Panel, and the National Single Window Portal for Green Hydrogen and Electrolyser Manufacturing.
"Green steel is now viable and scalable. Reforms and cost reductions in renewable energy and electrolysers are making it increasingly competitive," he said.
Referring to PM Modi's mantra of "Zero Defect, Zero Effect" and "Daam Kam, Dum Zyada", Joshi emphasised that India's green steel industrial strategy is rooted in affordability, quality, and environmental responsibility.
He added that green hydrogen prices are expected to fall below $2/kg by 2030, aided by lower solar and hybrid power costs (Rs 4.5 per unit compared to Rs 6.5 per unit for thermal) and the GST reduction on renewable energy equipment and electrolysers, rationalised to 5 percent. These reforms, he noted, also make solar projects such as the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana and PM-KUSUM more affordable for citizens and farmers.
He further underlined that GST cuts are reducing solar pump costs for farmers by Rs 1,750 crore and lowering rooftop solar system costs by Rs 9,000-10,500 per unit, while also strengthening India's renewable equipment.
The Minister announced that seven strategic MoUs, worth Rs 25,560 crore, were signed on the occasion. These are projected to create 22,600 jobs and drive the development of Vidarbha as India's steel hub.
"With its industrial and academic ecosystem, Maharashtra is well positioned to lead full-scale green hydrogen pilots and become a global contributor to the hydrogen value chain," he said.
Joshi urged all stakeholders to accelerate the adoption of green hydrogen, maximise renewable energy integration, and invest in research and development, innovation, and workforce skilling.
He reiterated that India's steel industry must prepare for emerging global trade measures like the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and build resilience by embracing circular economy models and clean technologies.
"With expanding FTAs and domestic reforms, we envision exporting up to 50 million tonnes of steel annually. But we must be future-ready to stay competitive," the Minister added.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis congratulated the Association for organising this initiative. He noted that a new market for green steel has emerged today, and India is making strategic progress to establish dominance in this market. He emphasised that achieving this goal under the leadership of the Prime Minister is a collective responsibility for all.
The event also witnessed the launch of the Green Certificate and the official AIIFA STEELEX-2025 souvenir.
The Green Certificate recognises steel manufacturers excelling in decarbonisation, energy efficiency, and adoption of green technologies.
The Souvenir captures key insights, innovations, and developments in sustainable steel manufacturing.
AIIFA Sustainable Steel Manufacturers Association is a premier industry body driving sustainable growth across India's steel manufacturing sector. Representing over 1,800 members--including induction furnace units, rolling mills, casting units, fabricators, and manufacturers--AIIFA advocates for environmentally responsible and economically viable practices that align with national development goals and global competitiveness.
The association plays a critical role in promoting advanced steel-making and processing technologies, enabling its members to enhance product quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and expand their global footprint. Through its flagship national conferences-cum-exhibitions and annual industry meets, AIIFA fosters strategic dialogue, shares best practices, and strengthens alignment with the government's target of achieving 300 million tonnes of steel capacity by 2030. (ANI)