THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

NEW DELHI, APRIL 6, 2026

Naveen Jindal-led Jindal Steel is spearheading India’s transition towards energy self-reliance by pioneering the use of swadeshi coal through advanced coal gasification technologies, enabling more sustainable and cost-efficient steel production. The company has achieved a significant global milestone by establishing India’s first coal gasification-based Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) plant, utilising syngas as a key input for iron-making and reducing dependence on imported fuels.

Amid global shortages of natural gas, LPG, and propane, Jindal Steel has successfully deployed syngas in galvanising and colour coating line furnaces — marking a first-of-its-kind application in the steel sector. This breakthrough has strengthened operational resilience by mitigating fuel supply disruptions while enhancing cost efficiency.

Further reinforcing its leadership in innovation, the company has pioneered syngas injection into blast furnace operations, significantly lowering reliance on imported coking coal and reducing carbon emissions per tonne of steel. The integrated application of syngas across the steel value chain establishes a new industry benchmark for efficiency, sustainability, and energy security.

The Government of India’s progressive policy initiatives, including the National Coal Gasification Mission, are expected to accelerate large-scale adoption of coal gasification technologies and support the nation’s long-term objective of achieving energy independence.

P.K. Biju Nair, Executive Director Angul, Jindal Steel, said: “Synthesis gas from swadeshi coal can replace imported methanol, ammonia, ammonium nitrate, and LNG. India must utilise its vast coal reserves to future-proof low-carbon growth and reduce forex outflow. Coal gasification, coupled with CCUS (Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage), will lower emission intensity, support CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism) compliance, and strengthen our export competitiveness.”

By leveraging domestic resources and deploying advanced clean coal gasification solutions, Jindal Steel continues to drive the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat while advancing a more resilient, sustainable, and globally competitive steel industry.