New Delhi: Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL)’s Bokaro Steel Plant (BSL) has signed a landmark contract with Forbes Marshall Private Limited on April 7, 2026, to introduce hydrogen injection in Blast Furnace-1. The project is a major step toward reducing carbon emissions and advancing green steel production in India.
The agreement was signed in the presence of Priya Ranjan, Director-in-Charge of Bokaro Steel Plant, along with senior officials.
One of the World’s Largest Hydrogen Injection Projects
The hydrogen injection initiative at Bokaro Steel Plant is being considered one of the largest such projects globally in blast furnace operations. It aims to partially replace traditional carbon-based fuels like coke and coal with hydrogen, a cleaner reducing agent.
Hydrogen-based ironmaking produces water vapor instead of carbon dioxide, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The scale and ambition of this project position Bokaro at the forefront of global green steel innovation.
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Aligned with National Green Hydrogen Mission
The project is being implemented under India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission, which promotes the use of clean hydrogen across energy-intensive industries.
- Research and Development Centre for Iron and Steel (RDCIS) will act as the principal consultant
- Primetals Technologies will provide technical expertise and support
The initiative reflects India’s commitment to reducing emissions in sectors like steel, which account for nearly 7% of global carbon emissions.
Why Hydrogen Matters for Steel Industry
Traditional blast furnaces rely heavily on coal and coke, making them a major source of carbon emissions. Hydrogen offers a cost-effective and scalable solution because:
- It can be integrated into existing blast furnaces without building new plants
- It significantly reduces CO2 emissions
- It supports global climate goals and sustainability targets
This approach allows steelmakers like SAIL to modernize operations while staying competitive.
Impact on Environment, Industry, and Economy
The project is expected to deliver multiple benefits:
- Significant reduction in carbon emissions from Bokaro Steel Plant
- Positioning SAIL as a leader in low-carbon steel production
- Creation of jobs in green technology and hydrogen handling
- Boost to exports, as global markets increasingly demand low-carbon steel
Additionally, the initiative will enhance workforce skills and strengthen India’s position in sustainable industrial practices.
A Step Toward Global Green Steel Leadership
With increasing international pressure on industries to decarbonize, this project gives SAIL a first-mover advantage. If successful, the model could be replicated across other steel plants in India and globally, setting new benchmarks in clean steel production.
About Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL)
Steel Authority of India Limited is one of India’s largest steel producers and a leading public sector enterprise. With integrated steel plants across the country, SAIL plays a crucial role in infrastructure development and is increasingly focusing on sustainable and green steel technologies to align with global environmental standards.
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