India’s coal-heavy steel expansion threatens global decarbonization goals

India overtakes China in new steel capacity, raising carbon concerns. (Photo: iStock)

The global steel industry has seen a steady increase in decarbonization initiatives, but actual progress remains limited.

A new report reveals that India has now surpassed China in new steelmaking capacity, positioning itself as a pivotal player in the global transition to green steel. However, unless India moves away from its coal-heavy production methods, it risks slowing down the entire industry's decarbonization efforts.

Low-carbon steel capacity rises but still misses climate targets

Since 2021, the U.S.-based think tank Global Energy Monitor (GEM) has published annual reports tracking global steel production capacity.