Maharashtra Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis on Friday said the state is poised to take a leading role in the production of green steel, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of sustainable industrial growth under the Green Steel Mission.
Speaking at the inauguration of AIIFA Steelex 2025, a major steel industry conclave held in Goregaon, suburban Mumbai, Fadnavis emphasised Maharashtra’s commitment to decarbonising the steel sector and promoting renewable energy, reported news agency PTI.
“Maharashtra is committed to sustainability. By 2030, 58 per cent of the state`s energy mix will come from renewables,” the CM said.
He added that by 2026, 16,000 MW of solar energy will be supplied to farmers, significantly reducing subsidies and helping lower industrial power tariffs over the next five years, reported PTI.
Fadnavis also highlighted Gadchiroli’s transformation, stating that the region, once known for Naxalite activity, is on its way to becoming India’s new steel city, thanks to community support and Rs 80,000 crore in proposed investments in the steel sector.
He also announced a major afforestation drive, targeting 5 crore tree plantations in Gadchiroli, with 40 lakh trees already planted under the initiative.
“We will build a new ecosystem for steel manufacturing that protects land, water, and forests,” he said.
Fadnavis reiterated Maharashtra’s leadership in green hydrogen, ammonia, gas value chains, and battery storage technologies.
He revealed that the state has signed MoUs for 75,000 MW of pump storage projects, with 7,000 MW expected to become operational within two years, ensuring 24/7 green power and grid stability.
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, who also attended the conclave, praised Maharashtra’s efforts, noting that under Fadnavis’s leadership, the state has secured Rs 3,500 crore in central aid under the PM-KUSUM scheme and approval for the Pune Hydrogen Valley Innovation Cluster.
“This is not just an economic transition, but a national duty to safeguard the planet for future generations,” Joshi said.
He noted that India has grown its renewable energy capacity from 2.44 GW in 2014 to nearly 30 GW, making it the world`s third-largest producer of non-fossil fuel energy.
By 2030, India aims to produce 30 crore tonnes of steel, including at least 5 crore tonnes of green steel for export, he added.
At the event, the Maharashtra government signed MoUs worth Rs 80,962 crore with nine companies, expected to create over 40,000 jobs, PTI reported. The state also awarded green steel certificates to participating companies, promoting industry-wide sustainability benchmarks.
(With PTI inputs)
