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The report finds that the global iron and steel industry is facing a 'lock-in' crisis due to continued investment in coal-based blast furnace capacity, particularly in India and China. While electric arc furnace (EAF) capacity is increasing, green hydrogen-based direct reduced iron (DRI) remains a critical bottleneck, with only 2% of operating DRI capacity using green hydrogen. India is currently the primary driver of global steelmaking development, accounting for 42% of developing capacity, much of which is coal-based. China maintains the largest operating capacity, but 94% of its blast furnace capacity lacks a retirement plan. The report warns that relining existing blast furnaces locks in emissions for 15–20 years, threatening global climate goals as the sector accounts for 11% of global CO2 emissions.