India Climbs to Third in Global Clean Industry Pipeline

India has emerged as the third-largest country globally in terms of clean industrial project pipeline, trailing only behind China and the United States. This significant status reflects India’s growing intent to decarbonise its hard-to-abate industrial sectors such as chemicals, steel, cement, and aviation. However, despite having a robust pipeline of 65 commercial-scale low-emission industrial projects, only six have reached the final investment decision (FID) stage so far.

Key Highlights of India’s Clean Industry Pipeline

• Total Projects: 65
• Estimated Investment Potential: Over $150 billion
• Job Creation Potential: Around 200,000 new jobs
• CO₂ Abatement Potential: 160–175 million tonnes per year

These projects form part of India’s broader effort to align industrial growth with its net-zero by 2070 target, positioning the country as a major clean manufacturing hub globally.

Sector-wise Composition

Chemicals Sector

• Dominates the pipeline with nearly 80% of the total projects.
• Includes around 50 clean ammonia and methanol initiatives.
• Could yield an annual clean chemical production capacity of 30–35 million tonnes.

Steel Industry

• Involves four major projects focused on hydrogen-based iron reduction and carbon capture technologies.

Cement, Aluminium, Aviation

• These sectors are piloting low-emission fuels, clinker substitutes, and clean propulsion technologies, but remain in early testing stages.

Geographic Spread

The projects are concentrated in seven key states, which provide strong policy support, infrastructure, and access to renewable energy,

• Odisha
• Andhra Pradesh
• Karnataka
• Gujarat
• Rajasthan
• Maharashtra
• Tamil Nadu

These states are strategically located near industrial clusters, ports, and renewable energy zones, enabling better integration of clean energy with industrial processes.

Key Facts

• India ranks 3rd globally in clean industrial project pipeline.
• Total projects: 65, worth over $150 billion.
• Only six projects have reached the investment stage.
• Top sectors: Chemicals (~80% share), followed by steel and cement.
• High potential states: Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu.