Mumbai, Sep 19 (NationPress) Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated on Friday that Maharashtra aims to excel not only in the steel industry but also in the green steel sector.

He expressed optimism that Maharashtra will take a leading role in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Mission Green Steel.

His remarks came during the inauguration of the AIIFA Steelex 2025, a grand gathering for the steel industry, attended by Union Minister for Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi, Maharashtra Industries Minister Uday Samant, and other dignitaries.

During the event, Chief Minister Fadnavis and Union Minister Joshi oversaw the signing and exchange of nine memorandums of understanding (MoUs) across Vidarbha, Marathwada, western Maharashtra, and Konkan. These agreements involve a total investment of Rs 80,962 crore and the potential to create 90,300 job opportunities.

Fadnavis emphasized the significance of this investment for Maharashtra's overall development and predicted that the state will lead the nation in steel production in the coming years.

"By 2030, 58 percent of Maharashtra's energy mix will originate from renewable sources. By 2026, 16,000 MW of electricity supplied to farmers will be derived entirely from solar energy. This will help lower electricity tariff subsidies and reduce industrial tariffs annually over the next five years," asserted CM Fadnavis.

He also mentioned, "Gadchiroli, which was once known for Maoism, is poised to become India's new steel hub. The region has seen the eradication of Maoism over the last decade, with local communities now supporting the steel sector."

On the topic of green steel and sustainable practices, CM Fadnavis announced a plan to plant five crore trees in Gadchiroli, of which 40 lakh have already been planted.

"We aim to establish a new steel ecosystem in Gadchiroli without harming water, land, or forests. Maharashtra is leading in green hydrogen, green ammonia, gas value chains, and battery storage," he added.

Regarding energy storage through pumped storage, he noted that Maharashtra plans to develop 75,000 MW of pumped storage projects, with 7,000 MW of power generation expected to commence within two years.

This initiative will ensure continuous green power availability and aid in stabilizing the national grid, he stated.

In his address, Union Minister Joshi outlined the future direction of India's industrial policies, focusing on green energy, green hydrogen, and green steel production.

"This transformation is not merely economic; it is a national responsibility to protect the planet for future generations," he remarked.

"India is on the cusp of becoming the third-largest economy globally. To achieve this, we must adhere to the principle of 'Zero Defect, Zero Effect.' The government is firmly behind entrepreneurs, but they must meet their objectives ahead of schedule," added Chief Minister Fadnavis.

Minister Samant stated that the steel industry will help eliminate Maoism by providing employment opportunities.

He highlighted the importance of Gadchiroli district to the state government, noting that the industries department has addressed land acquisition issues for the industrial estate there.