Jindal Steel Sets Up Coal Gasification to Make DRI Steel Cleaner and More Self-Reliant
Jindal Steel Limited has pioneered India's first coal gasification-based Direct Reduced Iron plant, marking a global first in the steel industry. The company has successfully deployed syngas across multiple steelmaking applications including blast furnace operations and galvanising processes, significantly reducing dependence on imported coking coal while lowering carbon emissions per tonne of steel produced.

*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.
Jindal Steel Limited has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in India's steel industry by pioneering advanced coal gasification technology that strengthens the nation's energy security while enabling sustainable steel production. The company has successfully deployed swadeshi coal through innovative gasification processes across multiple steelmaking applications, cutting imported coking coal use significantly.
Revolutionary Coal Gasification Applications
Jindal Steel has established several industry-first achievements in coal gasification technology. The company created India's first coal gasification-based Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) plant, utilizing syngas for iron-making processes. This represents a global first in the steel industry and demonstrates the company's commitment to technological innovation.
| Application: | Achievement | Industry Impact |
|---|---|---|
| DRI Plant: | India's first coal gasification-based facility | Global first in steel industry |
| Furnace Operations: | Syngas deployment in galvanising and colour coating | First application in steel sector |
| Blast Furnace: | Syngas injection technology | Reduces imported coking coal dependence |
In response to shortages of natural gas, LPG, and propane, the company has successfully implemented syngas in galvanising and colour coating line furnaces. This marks the first such application in the steel industry and helps mitigate fuel shortages during challenging times.
Integrated Syngas Deployment Strategy
Jindal Steel has pioneered syngas injection into its blast furnace operations, significantly reducing dependence on imported coking coal while lowering carbon emissions per tonne of steel produced. This integrated deployment of syngas across the entire steelmaking value chain establishes new benchmarks for efficiency, sustainability, and energy self-reliance in the Indian steel sector.
The company's approach demonstrates how synthesis gas from swadeshi coal can replace various imported materials including methanol, ammonia, ammonium nitrate, and LNG. This strategy supports India's goal of utilizing its vast coal reserves for future-proof low-carbon growth while reducing foreign exchange outflow.
Leadership Perspective and Strategic Vision
Mr. P.K. Biju Nair, Executive Director Angul, Jindal Steel, emphasized the strategic importance of this technology: "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, will lower emission intensity, support CBAM compliance, and strengthen our export competitiveness."
The company's innovations align with the Government of India's forward-looking policies, including the National Coal Gasification Mission, which are expected to accelerate adoption of coal gasification technologies nationwide.
Company Profile and Investment Scale
Jindal Steel operates as one of India's foremost integrated steel producers with a robust mine-to-metal business model. The company leverages captive resources, advanced manufacturing capabilities, and a global distribution network to deliver high-performance steel solutions across core sectors including infrastructure, construction, and manufacturing.
| Parameter: | Details |
|---|---|
| Investment Footprint: | Exceeding USD 12.00 billion |
| Facility Locations: | Angul, Raigarh, and Patratu |
| Operations Scope: | India and Africa |
| Business Model: | Mine-to-metal integration |
The company's diversified and future-ready product portfolio supports critical sectors while advancing the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat through sustainable and cost-competitive steel production using advanced clean coal gasification technologies.
How will Jindal Steel's coal gasification breakthrough influence other major Indian steel producers' technology adoption strategies?
What timeline is expected for the National Coal Gasification Mission to scale this technology across India's steel sector?
Could this syngas technology expansion impact India's coking coal import volumes and trade relationships with major suppliers like Australia?

































