Themes and Sub- Themes

India’s crude steel production marked 200 Mt capacity in FY 2024-25 witnessing growth of over 10% CAGR in past five years. Finished steel consumption grew even at faster pace with over 12% CAGR for the same duration. The steel consumption is led by robust demand in construction & infrastructure, automotive and white goods. This momentum is sustainable and realisation of 300 Mt capacity in the country by 2030-31 as envisaged in National Steel Policy appears to be very much realistic. This demand driven growth fuelled by make in India initiatives by the Govt. of India has led to massive expansion plan across sector.

It is, therefore,most opportune time to address issues pertaining to steel sector. Indian steel industry is uniquely balanced as about 50% production is contributed by small and medium players and thereby able to cater the need of diverse consumers domestically. It is need of the hour to increase production not only through capacity addition but also through enhancing efficiency in existing plants. Besides efficiency and quality, environmental concerns especially carbon reduction is taking centre stage and poses threat to sustainability of the industry.Adequate availability of good quality iron ore remains as basic issue to be addressed. Further, there is need for critical analysis of rising import in past few years, particularly steel products required for downstream processing by SSIs despite having domestic production capacity. In view of the foregoing, a two day international conference has been organised to focus on tools and means available for enhancing efficiency and achieving sustainability. Additionally, a unique session has been planned titled as “Synergy for Atmanirbharta”to bring the larger players and SSIs together to understand and address each other’s need. This synergy creation is very much essential for both sides and will directly address the rising import issue in the country. Primary producers will get widened domestic market and other producers will be able to ensure availability of required input material of desired quality.

Each day of the conference has focused sub-themes as mentioned below.

Focus on Enhancing efficiency (Mining to finished product)

• • AI as tool for improving efficiency
• • New dimensions in Automation
• • Steel plant technology advancements

Focus on Achieving Sustainability

• • Decarbonisation in existing plant
• • New technologies for carbon reduction
• • Exploring hydrogen usage in steel sector
• • Quality production in Secondary Steel Industries

Synergy for Atmanirbharta – offering from major players and need of SSIs As an extended support to SSIs, a voluntary session to provide advisory services for greenfield/ brown field expansion projects and briefing on schemes of Ministry of Steel for SSIs has also been scheduled at the end of conference.