Lucknow — For the first time in the country, India hosted the National Industrial Boiler Greening Conference in Lucknow, jointly organized by environmental think tank iFOREST, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and the Labour Department of the Government of Uttar Pradesh.
At the event, iFOREST released two landmark reports: “Greening Industrial Steam: Low-carbon and Clean Air Roadmap for Process Boilers” and a state-focused report titled “Greening Industrial Process Boiler: Low Carbon and Clean Air Pathways for Uttar Pradesh.” These represent India’s first comprehensive studies on process boilers and set the foundation for policy and technical reforms to cut emissions and improve air quality.
According to the national boiler inventory prepared for the first time, India has 45,226 process boilers generating approximately 1.26 billion tonnes of steam annually, with Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh accounting for the highest concentrations. These boilers collectively emit 182 million tonnes of CO₂ per year—more than 5% of India’s total energy-related emissions. Due to lax regulations, emissions from process boilers rival that of the automobile sector.
Forecasts suggest that by 2047, India’s steam demand may quadruple, further exacerbating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and air pollution. In light of this, iFOREST has recommended the establishment of a National Green Boiler Mission to promote the adoption of solar thermal energy, renewable electricity, clean biomass, and hydrogen-based technologies.
Focus on Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh, with the third-largest stock of 2,798 boilers, was a key focus of the state-level analysis. Over 15% of its boilers are more than 25 years old, operating at just 40% capacity. Interestingly, there is a visible transition from coal-based boilers to biomass alternatives in the state. Recognizing the potential of biomass, the report calls for the promotion of clean biomass technologies and strengthening of regulatory and institutional frameworks for a cleaner industrial future.
Voices from the Conference
Speaking at the conference, Anil Rajbhar, Minister of Labour and Employment, Uttar Pradesh, said, “Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Uttar Pradesh is emerging as a leading industrial state. For the past year, it has had the highest number of factory registrations. Both the central and state governments are committed to balancing development with environmental responsibility.”
Sandeepkumar Sadanand Kumbhar, Technical Advisor (Boiler) at DPIIT and Secretary, Central Boiler Board, noted, “The Boiler Act, 2025 is a landmark reform ushering in a new era of efficiency, safety, and sustainability in India’s boiler sector. It provides a strategic framework for environmental protection and worker safety.”
Manoj Kumar Singh, IAS, Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh, praised the reports, saying, “This is not just about reducing pollution—it’s a roadmap for sustainable economic growth. With the right mix of targeted policy, technical advancement, and government-industry collaboration, Uttar Pradesh can cut emissions while improving efficiency and competitiveness. Biomass has the potential to create rural employment and enhance farmers’ income.”
Key Findings of the Reports
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India has an estimated 45,226 process boilers, with nearly two-thirds located in just 8 states/UTs.
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About 85% of these boilers have a capacity of up to 10 tonnes per hour (TPH).
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The average age of boilers in India is 18 years, raising safety and energy efficiency concerns.
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40% of installed capacity still uses fossil fuels, with 90% of boilers contributing significantly to air pollution.
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The food industry leads in installed capacity (41%), followed by chemicals and petroleum refineries.
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India’s process steam energy consumption accounts for 38% of total industrial energy use—comparable to the transport sector.
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GHG emissions from process steam are pegged at 182 million tonnes of CO₂, with 56% of this coming from just five states.
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The process steam sector contributes 9% of total PM, 8% of SO₂, and 17% of NOx industrial emissions. Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh top the list of polluting states.
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By 2047, steam generation could increase fourfold. Without changes in the energy mix, emissions would also quadruple.
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Economic viability analysis reveals that gas-based boilers are the costliest, while electric boilers and green hydrogen options will become more viable between 2030 and 2050.
Industry and Academia in Participation
The conference saw vibrant participation from stakeholders across government, academia, civil society, and industry. Discussions focused on reforms in boiler governance, innovative technologies for clean and efficient steam, and inter-departmental collaboration. Notable participants included IIT Kanpur, and leading steam technology firms such as Forbes Marshall, Cheema Boilers Ltd, Thermax Global, IBL Group, and Thermodyne Engineering Systems.
iFOREST CEO Highlights Call to Action
Presenting the report’s key insights, Dr. Chandra Bhushan, CEO of iFOREST, said, “Coal-based boilers ignited the industrial revolution in the 18th century. Now, the decarbonization of boilers can trigger a new, clean-tech-driven industrial revolution. This is not just a climate imperative—it’s an economic opportunity to create green jobs and build a green economy. To seize this moment, we must establish a Green Boiler Mission.”
The event marked a significant step in India’s journey toward net-zero industrial transformation, signaling that a greener and more energy-efficient future for India’s boilers is not only desirable but achievable.
