India drafts plan to triple steel output by 2047 while cutting emissions
India's draft steel policy aims to raise capacity to 604 million tonnes by 2047 and lower carbon intensity to about 1.54 t/ton.
A new draft steel policy released for public consultation outlines India's ambition to boost its steelmaking capacity to 604 million metric tons by 2047, up from about 220 million tons now. The document also sets a target to cut the sector's average carbon-emission intensity to roughly 1.54 tons of CO₂ per ton of crude steel, a reduction of nearly 39 percent, aligning with the nation's 2070 net-zero pledge. Achieving the capacity goal will require a sharp rise in raw-material imports, with projected iron-ore demand of 772 million tons and coking-coal demand of 236 million tons, prompting plans for strategic overseas acquisitions and joint ventures.
The policy emphasizes diversifying supply sources to mitigate risks. Success will depend on investment in new, cleaner steel facilities and reliable access to high-grade raw materials. The proposal remains subject to change after the consultation period.
Why it matters
India's steel expansion and emission cuts will shape global metal markets and climate efforts.
How the sides frame it
HIGH AGREEMENTBoth centrist and right-leaning coverage report the same draft steel policy goals, but the right-leaning outlet adds emphasis on export targets, domestic coal reduction and technology upgrades, while the centrist outlet highlights the need for raw-material imports and cleaner facilities.
CENTER
Centrist coverage frames the policy as a plan to triple steel output by 2047 while cutting emissions, stressing the reliance on increased raw-material imports and investment in cleaner facilities.
RIGHT
Right-leaning coverage frames the policy as a roadmap to boost capacity and exports, stressing reduced dependence on imported coking coal, domestic mining, AI optimisation, and a broad decarbonisation agenda.
The right emphasises
- increasing capacity to 604 million tonnes and targeting steel exports of 45 million tonnes
- lessening dependence on imported coking coal through domestic mining and AI-optimised blends
- decarbonisation via energy efficiency, renewable power, higher scrap utilisation and hydrogen
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