Tata Steel Advances Sustainable Steelmaking with India’s Firstofitskind Coke Oven Gas Injection Project at Meramandali

Bhubaneswar,: Tata Steel Meramandali commissioned its groundbreaking Coke Oven Gas (COG) Injection Project at Blast Furnace 1 – a first-of-its-kind initiative in the Indian
steel industry. The initiative underscores Tata Steel's unwavering commitment to its Net Zero by 2045 target and highlights the Company's leadership in deploying breakthrough technologies for low-carbon iron and steel production. Subodh Pandey, Vice President – Technology, R&D, NMB and Graphene, Tata Steel, said: “This initiative of maximising the utilisation of process gases to reduce dependence on external fossil fuels reinforces Tata Steel’s leadership in sustainable manufacturing. We remain focused on
demonstrating and scaling low carbon technologies, thereby accelerating our journey towards Net Zero by 2045.” Sudhir Kumar Mehta, Vice President – Operations, Tata Steel Meramandali, said: "This project is a good example of how our teams continuously look for ways to improve efficiency while reducing the environmental impact. By finding a productive use for coke oven gas within the blast furnace process, we are making our operations leaner and cleaner.” In an integrated steel plant, COG – a hydrogen and hydrocarbon-rich byproduct gas – is typically used for power generation, heating, or simply flared. With support from technology partner M/s Paul Wurth-SMS and equipment supplier M/s Kobelco, Tata Steel has successfully implemented the
COG injection in the blast furnace through tuyeres, substituting fossil fuel as a reductant, thereby reducing the environmental impact. Apart from reducing fossil fuel consumption and CO 2 emissions, it also provides a unique opportunity to operate the blast furnace with a three-fuel system, enhancing operational flexibility and efficiency. Additionally, the initiative strengthens Tata Steel’s leadership in green steel production through the safe and stable operation of advanced injection technologies. Tata Steel has been a pioneer in the adoption of low-carbon blast furnace technologies, successfully demonstrating coal bed methane, hydrogen, and biochar injection in the blast furnace.