In a significant move toward energy self-reliance and sustainable manufacturing, Jindal Steel has successfully pioneered the use of ‘swadeshi’ (domestic) coal through advanced coal gasification technologies.
The initiative marks a major milestone in India’s journey toward Aatmanirbhar Bharat, significantly strengthening national energy security while enabling low-carbon steel production, the company said in a press release.
India’s first coal gasification-based DRI plant
Jindal Steel has achieved a global milestone by establishing India’s first coal-gasification-based Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) plant.
The facility uses synthesis gas (syngas) derived from domestic coal for iron-making, providing a viable alternative to increasingly scarce and expensive natural gas, LPG, and propane.
In response to shortages of natural gas, LPG, and propane, Jindal Steel said it has now successfully deployed syngas in galvanising and colour coating line furnaces—marking the first such application in the steel industry.
“This has helped the company better mitigate fuel shortages in these unprecedented times,” the company added.
Further strengthening its leadership, Jindal Steel has pioneered syngas injection into its blast furnace, reducing dependence on imported coking coal and lowering carbon emissions per tonne of steel. “This integrated deployment of syngas across the steelmaking value chain sets a new benchmark for efficiency, sustainability, and energy self-reliance,” it added.
“The forward-looking policies and incentives of the Government of India—including the National Coal Gasification Mission- are expected to accelerate the adoption of coal gasification technologies and support the country’s push towards energy self-reliance,” Jindal Steel said.
P.K. Biju Nair, Executive Director at Angul’s 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, will lower emission intensity, support CBAM compliance, and strengthen our export competitiveness,” Nair added.
By harnessing swadeshi coal and deploying advanced clean coal gasification technologies, Jindal Steel is advancing the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat while delivering sustainable and cost-competitive steel production.
