AIIFA Steelex 2025 and the 37th National Conference on Sustainable Steel opened with a powerful message of transformation as Union Minister for Steel and Heavy Industries Pralhad Joshi and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the event at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai. Organized by the AIIFA Sustainable Steel Manufacturers Association in collaboration with the Steel Manufacturers Association of Maharashtra and supported by the Ministry of Steel and the United Nations Development Programme, the event marked a pivotal moment in India’s industrial evolution.
Pralhad Joshi declared that the transition to sustainable and green steel is not merely an economic objective but a national priority. He emphasized that India’s steel sector is central to the country’s sustainable growth and industrial transformation, aligning with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the leadership of Devendra Fadnavis. He praised AIIFA, which represents over 1,800 stakeholders in the secondary steel sector, for enabling the growth of low-carbon, future-ready ecosystems across the nation.
Maharashtra was lauded for its pioneering role in sustainable development, particularly through the successful implementation of the PM-KUSUM scheme, popularly known as the Maharashtra Model. The state’s ambitious target of achieving 5 lakh tonnes per annum of green hydrogen capacity by 2030 under its Green Hydrogen Policy and the launch of the Pune Hydrogen Valley Innovation Cluster were highlighted as benchmarks for other states. Joshi noted that Maharashtra is emerging as a strong pillar in India’s green steel ecosystem, integrating renewable energy and green hydrogen projects with remarkable foresight.
Under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, which has an outlay of Rs. 19,744 crore, India 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. Joshi informed that five pilot projects worth Rs. 132 crore are already underway in the steel sector, and ports like 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.
He stated that green steel is now viable and scalable, thanks to reforms and cost reductions in renewable energy and electrolysers. He cited PM Modi’s mantras of “Zero Defect, Zero Effect” and “Daam Kam, Dum Zyada” as guiding principles for India’s green steel strategy, which is rooted in affordability, quality, and environmental responsibility. Joshi projected that green hydrogen prices will fall below $2 per kilogram by 2030, aided by lower solar and hybrid power costs at Rs. 4.5 per unit compared to Rs. 6.5 per unit for thermal energy. He also highlighted the GST reduction on renewable energy equipment and electrolysers to 5 percent, which is making solar projects like PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana and PM-KUSUM more affordable. These reforms are reducing solar pump costs for farmers by Rs. 1,750 crore and lowering rooftop solar system costs by Rs. 9,000 to Rs. 10,500 per unit, while strengthening India’s renewable equipment manufacturing sector.
Seven strategic Memorandums of Understanding worth Rs. 25,560 crore were signed during the event, projected to create 22,600 jobs and drive the development of Vidarbha as India’s steel hub. Joshi urged stakeholders to accelerate the adoption of green hydrogen, maximize renewable energy integration, and invest in research, development, innovation, and workforce skilling. He stressed that India’s steel industry must prepare for emerging global trade measures like the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and build resilience through circular economy models and clean technologies. With expanding free trade agreements and domestic reforms, Joshi envisioned India exporting up to 50 million tonnes of steel annually, but emphasized the need to be future-ready to remain competitive.
Devendra Fadnavis congratulated the Association for organizing the initiative and noted that a new market for green steel has emerged. He asserted that India is making strategic progress to establish dominance in this market and that achieving this goal under the leadership of the Prime Minister is a collective responsibility. The event also witnessed the launch of the Green Certificate and the official AIIFA Steelex 2025 Souvenir. The Green Certificate recognizes steel manufacturers excelling in decarbonisation, energy efficiency, and adoption of green technologies, while the Souvenir captures key insights, innovations, and developments in sustainable steel manufacturing.
AIIFA Sustainable Steel Manufacturers Association, representing over 1,800 members including induction furnace units, rolling mills, casting units, fabricators, and manufacturers, plays a critical role in promoting environmentally responsible and economically viable practices. Through its flagship national conferences 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.
