The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) has said that India's Rs 50 billion sustainable steel strategy must prioritise finance and technical support for small and medium enterprises.

The assessment found that without targeted measures the planned funding may fail to reach the micro, small and medium enterprise sector and that gaps in credit access and cost of capital risk leaving many firms unable to adopt cleaner technologies.

The analysis identified constrained working capital, limited collateral and high credit costs as principal barriers to MSME investment in cleaner production, and observed that existing financial instruments are often ill suited to the needs of cluster-based manufacturers. The paper recommended concessional finance, credit guarantees, blended funding structures and linking support to measurable upgrades and repayment mechanisms.

On the technical side, IEEFA highlighted needs for technology demonstration, skills development and supply chain modernisation to enable energy efficient and low-carbon steelmaking at smaller units and noted that retrofits and new processes demand technical assistance, certification standards and access to equipment financing. Implementation, the study said, should include phased targets, monitoring and verification and incentives tied to performance to ensure funds deliver emissions and productivity gains and should include monitoring frameworks and public reporting to build investor confidence and support private capital mobilisation. It concluded that a strategic mix of finance, technical assistance and policy support will be essential to translate the Rs 5,000 crore allocation into lasting industrial transformation. Stakeholder cooperation was described as vital to achieve scale and long term resilience. It also urged targeted training programmes and demonstration funds to reduce deployment risk and lower financing costs for smaller operators.