India– Steel authority of India, Limited (SAIL) has signed a deal with the global miner and an Australia-based resources company- BHP, working towards the reduction of carbon emissions in the Indian steel production plants that operate blast furnaces as per the reports by SAIL.
The companies are exploring the use of hydrogen and biochar at SAIL’s facilities, while establishing local research and development initiatives.
“The emergent need to align the steel sector with climate commitments is non-negotiable,” SAIL Chairman Amarendu Prakash said.
India is considered to be the third-biggest emitter in the world, and is committed to net-zero carbon emissions by 2070. Its steel sector consumes 10%-12% of the country’s overall emissions and emits 2.54 metric tons of carbon dioxide for every ton of steel produced, way higher than the global average of 1.91 metric tons.
BHP’s Chief Commercial Officer, Rag Udd said, “BHP has a long-established relationship with SAIL, and we are pleased to be extending and strengthening this relationship to explore decarbonisation opportunities for the blast furnace route. We recognise that decarbonising this industry is a challenge that we cannot meet alone, and we must come together to leverage shared expertise and resources, to support the development of technologies and capability that could have the potential to create a real change in carbon emissions both now and in the longer term.”