Tata Steel and the German group SMS Group have joined forces to pioneer a groundbreaking decarbonization technology in steel production. This collaboration aims to reduce carbon emissions by more than 50% during the steel manufacturing process.

Under the agreement, Tata Steel and SMS Group will engage in technical discussions and demonstrate the SMS group’s decarbonization technology at one of Tata’s blast furnaces in the Jamshedpur plant. This partnership aligns with Tata Steel’s commitment to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2045.

The CEO of Tata Steel, TV Narendran, highlighted the significance of this collaboration, emphasizing that as the world’s second-largest steel producer, India has a crucial role in leading the decarbonization journey.

Steel production currently contributes 9% of global carbon emissions, prompting steel manufacturers worldwide to invest in technologies that reduce pollution. According to the International Energy Agency, the direct CO2 emissions from crude steel production amount to approximately 1.4 tons per ton of steel produced.

India has pledged to achieve net zero emissions by 2070 and is actively working on a long-term plan to transition toward more sustainable steel production. In line with this objective, Tata Steel recently conducted a hydrogen gas injection trial at its Jamshedpur plant, which has an annual steel production capacity of 12 million tonnes.

The Ministry of Steel in India has outlined its roadmap for carbon reduction in the steel industry. From now until 2029-30, the focus will be on promoting energy and resource efficiency, as well as renewable energy. Between 2030 and 2047, the industry will prioritize the adoption of green hydrogen, while from 2047 to 2070, disruptive alternative technological innovations will be emphasized.

This collaboration between Tata Steel and SMS Group represents a significant step forward in the quest for sustainable steel production and contributes to India’s ambitious goals for carbon neutrality.