The steel industry accounts for 7–9% of global greenhouse gas emissions, making it central to mitigation efforts worldwide. While low-emissions steel technologies are advancing, progress remains uneven due to challenges related to financing, policy support, energy infrastructure, and evolving trade environments.

On the eve of World Environment Day, ORF America and WRI India hosted the virtual webinar, “Forging the Future of Low-Emissions Steel”, which brought together experts and stakeholders to discuss pathways for accelerating steel decarbonization across the value chain. In addition to a panel discussion, insights from two recent publications were presented:

• Greening Steel in a Fragmented World: Aligning Markets, Technology, and Finance Special Report by ORF America

• Navigating Industrial Decarbonization in India: Learnings from Different Approaches and Best Practices
  Issue Brief by WRI India 

The webinar explored pathways for low-emissions steel production, financing and infrastructure needs, the role of industrial policy and market creation, and the impact of evolving trade and regulatory environments on investment decisions and collaboration.

Speakers:

• Dr. Aruna Sharma, Former Secretary, Ministry of Steel, Government of India

• Ajay Kumar Rastogi, Chairman, Task Force on Sustainable Just Transition & Green Hydrogen, Government of Jharkhand

• Rachel Howard, Director, Asia Pacific, Mission Possible Partnership

• João Irineu Medeiros, Vice President Regulatory Affairs, Stellantis South America

• Moderator: Tirthankar Mandal, Associate Program Director, Energy, WRI India

• Moderator: Piyush Verma, Senior Fellow & Head, Energy, ORF America