Transforming Metal Production: Salem Leads Tamil Nadu’s Green Industrial Shift

Salem, Tamil Nadu: Renowned as Tamil Nadu’s steel capital, Salem is taking bold steps toward sustainability by incorporating green technologies in its steel production processes. Spearheaded by the Salem Steel Plant (SSP) under the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) and in partnership with the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB), these efforts aim to drastically reduce industrial emissions and set a national benchmark for eco-friendly manufacturing.

The initiatives have already shown measurable impact, with a 15% reduction in carbon emissions reported in 2025, according to TNPCB data.

Green Innovations in Salem’s Steel Industry

Energy-Efficient Furnaces
Salem’s steel units have introduced advanced electric arc furnaces, which consume 30% less energy compared to traditional blast furnaces. These innovations significantly cut down greenhouse gas emissions while enhancing production efficiency.

Waste Heat Recovery Systems
The integration of waste heat recovery systems across multiple plants now captures and reuses heat, reducing the industry’s reliance on fossil fuels. This has led to a 10% drop in energy consumption, as per SAIL’s 2025 sustainability report.

Renewable Energy Adoption

Solar Power Initiatives
Over 50 MW of solar panels have been installed on plant rooftops and surrounding facilities, contributing to the steel industry’s energy needs while cutting emissions by over 40,000 tons annually.

Green Hydrogen Trials
In a first for the region, Salem’s steel plants have begun experimenting with green hydrogen in their operations, aiming to further reduce dependence on coal-based processes.

Economic and Environmental Impact

Boosting Green Exports
Eco-friendly steel production has increased Salem’s export competitiveness, with green-certified products accounting for ₹2,000 crore in exports annually.

Creating Jobs in Green Tech
The shift to sustainable technologies has created over 5,000 new jobs in renewable energy, technology development, and waste management sectors.

Commitment to Sustainability

Water Conservation Efforts
The industry has adopted zero-liquid discharge (ZLD) systems to treat and reuse wastewater, saving 10 million liters of water daily, a crucial step in the water-scarce region.

Reduction in Solid Waste
Steel slag, a by-product of steel production, is now being recycled into eco-friendly construction materials, reducing industrial waste by 25%.

Future Plans for Green Steel Production

Salem aims to expand its solar capacity to 100 MW by 2030, fully integrate green hydrogen across all plants, and reduce overall emissions by 50%. These initiatives align with India’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070.

Salem: Pioneering Green Industrial Practices

As Salem’s steel industry transitions to sustainable production methods, it sets a precedent for other industrial cities across India. By adopting innovative technologies and sustainable practices, the city is striking a balance between economic growth and environmental preservation.

Salem’s transformation underscores the importance of green industries in shaping a sustainable future for India.