Question : Modernisation of Steel Sector

(a) whether the Government proposes to introduce cutting-edge technologies for the benefit of the indigenous Iron & Steel industry and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether the Government has taken steps towards achieving energy efficiency and emission reduction through the Global Environment Facility (GEF) of United Nations Development Plan (UNDP);

(c) if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether the Government has directed all public sector steel companies to set up energy efficiency and emission reduction provisions under their modernisation and capacity expansion programmes and if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the other steps taken by the Government for modernisation of the steel sector in the country?

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR STEEL (SHRI VISHNU DEO SAI)

(a) Iron & Steel is a deregulated sector and the role of Government is limited to that of a facilitator. The decisions regarding introduction of cutting-edges technologies are taken by the respective Iron & Steel companies based on techno-economics of the specific technology.

(b)&(c): Energy efficiency and emission reduction technologies were implemented in 321 model units under UNDP-GEF and UNDP Aus Aid –Ministry of Steel projects for energy efficient production in secondary steel sector.

(d) Steel being a deregulated sector, the modernization and expansion program of public sector steel companies are based on techno economic consideration. These are also guided by the norms set up by Ministry of Environment Forest & Climate Change for reduction of Green House Gases (GHG) emission and achieving improvement in energy efficiency.

(e) Steel being a deregulated sector, the Government role is limited to that of a facilitator, which lays down the policy guidelines and establishes the institutional mechanism/ structure for creating conductive environment for improving efficiency and performance of Steel Sector. Government has notified National Steel Policy - 2017 which aim to make Indian Steel Sector technologically advanced and globally competitive.

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