Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL) has initiated hydrogen injection at its Bokaro Steel Plant as part of efforts to reduce carbon emissions from blast furnace operations.
The project involves injecting hydrogen at the blast furnace tuyere level to partially replace conventional carbon-based fuels, thereby lowering CO2 emissions in the ironmaking process.
The system is being implemented in partnership with Primetals Technologies and allows for phased introduction of hydrogen, enabling operators to gradually optimize furnace conditions and manage operational challenges.
SAIL said the initiative is part of its broader decarbonization strategy and is supported under a government-backed carbon reduction programme.
In addition to reducing emissions, hydrogen injection is expected to improve blast furnace efficiency and reduce dependence on traditional fuels such as coke and pulverized coal.
SAIL currently produces about 20.6 mln tons of crude steel annually and plans to expand its capacity to 35 mln tons per year by FY2031. SAIL’s Bokaro Steel Plant produces flat steel products.
