Project to reduce fossil fuel
consumption and CO₂ emissions while enhancing blast
furnace efficiency and operational flexibility
THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026
In a significant step towards accelerating low-carbon steel production
in India, Tata Steel Meramandali has commissioned a Coke Oven Gas (COG)
Injection Project at Blast Furnace 1, described as a first-of-its-kind
initiative in the Indian steel industry. The breakthrough project enables the
productive utilisation of process gas within the blast furnace, reducing
dependence on external fossil fuels while supporting improved operational
efficiency and lower carbon emissions. The initiative reinforces Tata Steel’s
commitment to its Net Zero by 2045 ambition and underscores its leadership in
developing and deploying innovative technologies for sustainable steelmaking.
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, Coke Oven Gas (COG) — a hydrogen- and
hydrocarbon-rich by-product gas — is typically utilised for power generation
and heating, while a portion may otherwise be flared. With technology support
from M/s Paul Wurth-SMS and equipment supplied by M/s Kobelco, Tata Steel has
successfully implemented COG injection into the blast furnace through tuyeres.
The technology enables COG to substitute a portion of fossil fuel used as a
reductant, thereby helping reduce the environmental footprint of the ironmaking
process.
The project is expected to deliver multiple operational and
environmental benefits, including lower fossil fuel consumption and reduced CO₂ emissions. It also creates an opportunity to operate the blast furnace with a three-fuel injection system,
enhancing operational flexibility and efficiency.
The successful commissioning further strengthens Tata Steel Meramandali’s capabilities in deploying advanced injection technologies safely and reliably. It is also aligned with Tata Steel’s broader efforts to accelerate the transition towards greener steel production
Tata Steel has been at the forefront of adopting and demonstrating low-carbon blast furnace technologies. The Company has successfully explored and demonstrated the injection of coal bed methane, hydrogen and biochar in blast furnace operations, reflecting its continued focus on developing scalable solutions for reducing the carbon intensity of steelmaking.
