Jindal Steel and Power Advances Decarbonization with New Gas Injection System at Angul Steel Plant

In a significant stride towards decarbonization, Jindal Steel and Power Limited (JSPL) has advanced its commitment to global sustainability goals. The Indian steel giant has procured a state-of-the-art gas injection system for its blast furnace from UK-based plantmaker Primetals, according to a recent announcement by the latter. This strategic investment is part of JSPL's broader initiative to reduce carbon emissions and enhance operational efficiency across its facilities.

Installation at Blast Furnace No. 1 in Angul
The advanced gas injection system is set to be installed at Blast Furnace No. 1 at JSPL's Angul steel plant in Odisha, India. Interestingly, this blast furnace was also supplied by Primetals in 2017, marking a continuing collaboration between the two companies. JSPL’s decision to upgrade its blast furnace with cutting-edge gas injection technology is a proactive response to growing global pressure on the steel industry to adopt greener practices and lower its carbon footprint.

The upgraded system will replace a portion of the traditional carbonaceous fuels with hydrogen, a cleaner alternative that can significantly reduce carbon emissions. Hydrogen, as a reducing agent, burns cleaner than coal, resulting in less CO2 being released during the steelmaking process. This shift is essential for JSPL as it seeks to align with India's national goals of reducing emissions intensity under the Paris Agreement.

Syngas Utilization from Angul’s Coal Gasification Plant
A unique feature of the new system is its ability to inject syngas—a byproduct from JSPL’s coal gasification plant at Angul—into the blast furnace. Syngas, a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide, can serve as a partial substitute for coke, traditionally used as a carbon-heavy fuel in blast furnaces. By utilizing on-site syngas, JSPL lowers its carbon fuel rate and reduces its reliance on external fuel sources.

This technology also addresses a core challenge in steel production: reducing dependence on fossil fuels without sacrificing operational efficiency. By adopting syngas-based injection, JSPL ensures that its blast furnace operates at maximum efficiency while simultaneously reducing emissions.

Impact on Decarbonization and Cost Efficiency
The introduction of the gas injection system is expected to significantly lower carbon emissions at JSPL’s Blast Furnace No. 1. The move is in line with India’s National Steel Policy 2017, which emphasizes reducing the steel industry’s carbon footprint. As one of the largest contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions, the steel sector is focusing on cleaner fuel transitions as a key element in its decarbonization efforts.

Additionally, the syngas injection system offers notable cost advantages. By leveraging syngas from its own coal gasification plant, JSPL can reduce the cost of hot metal production per ton. This cost reduction is crucial in a highly competitive global steel market, where profitability often hinges on minimizing production costs without compromising quality or output.

Aligning with Global Sustainability Trends
JSPL’s investment in the gas injection system highlights the company’s strong commitment to sustainable growth. The global steel industry has faced increasing scrutiny for its carbon-intensive operations, and steelmakers worldwide are embracing cleaner technologies to meet regulatory standards and rising consumer expectations for greener products.

The shift towards hydrogen-based steel production is gaining momentum as countries and industries strive to meet ambitious climate targets. By leading the use of hydrogen and syngas injection in its blast furnaces, JSPL is positioning itself at the forefront of India’s green steel revolution.

This is not JSPL’s first step towards decarbonization. Over the years, the company has made significant investments in renewable energy, efficiency upgrades, and innovative technologies aimed at reducing its environmental impact. The new gas injection system at Angul is the latest in a series of initiatives designed to align with the company’s sustainability objectives.