SAIL focuses on hydrogen injection to decarbonize blast furnaces

Indian state-owned company SAIL is beginning the engineering phase of a hydrogen gas injection system for a blast furnace at its Bokaro Steel Plant. The project to decarbonize blast furnace operations is being financed by the Indian government.

Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) Bokaro Steel Plant has partnered with Primetals for the engineering phase of a hydrogen gas injection system for a blast furnace at its facility in Bokaro Steel City, Jharkhand. Funded by the Indian government under a carbon reduction scheme, this initiative aims to achieve measurable emission reductions and supports SAIL’s broader environmental goals.

Replacing Conventional Fuels with Hydrogen

According to Primetals, the project centers on integrating hydrogen gas injection technology at the blast furnace tuyere level. Primetals Technologies will engineer the hydrogen injection system where hydrogen gas will partially replace conventional fuels, directly reducing CO₂ emissions from ironmaking. The phased introduction of hydrogen enables controlled adaptation and optimization, addressing the technical challenges of replacing traditional carbon-based fuels. This approach not only reduces CO₂ emissions but also improves blast furnace permeability and process efficiency.

Decarbonization in Large-Scale Steelmaking

SAIL Bokaro’s investment is part of its comprehensive sustainability strategy, which includes advanced emission controls, efficient waste management, and green initiatives such as the development of green belts and afforestation programs. By adopting hydrogen-based solutions, SAIL Bokaro aims to set an industry benchmark, demonstrating the practical benefits of decarbonization in large-scale steel production, Primetals says.

Hydrogen Gas Injection

Gas injection at the tuyere is increasing in popularity as steelmakers globally seek CO2 emission reduction. Hydrogen and hydrogen-bearing gases offer a practical way to replace part of the traditional carbonaceous fuels, thereby lowering furnace emissions. Primetals has provided design solutions for gas injection at the tuyeres for over 40 years and, in recent years, has established engineering expertise for these systems within India, the company says. This has included a trial hydrogen injection plant and full-scale synthesis gas injection plants at other major steelmakers.
Source: Primetals Technologies