SAIL-BHP to jointly forge steel decarbonisation plan

Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) and BHP have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to accelerate potential pathways to steel decarbonisation. A SAIL statement said the two, as part of the MoU, are exploring several workstreams supporting the potential decarbonisation at SAIL’s integrated steel plants which operate Blast Furnaces (BF). This will be through an initial study to assess various strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG).

“These workstreams will consider the role of alternate reductants for the BF such as hydrogen and biochar use,” the statement said while adding that this will be with a view to also building local research and development capability to support the decarbonisation transition.

According to SAIL, deployment of technology and abatements on the blast furnace is critical to progress in decarbonising India’s and the global steel industry.


Commenting on the collaboration, SAIL Chairman Amarendu Prakash said, “The emergent need to align the steel sector with climate commitments is non-negotiable. SAIL is committed to contributing towards tackling the issue of climate change through fostering an innovative future for the steel industry in India.”

According to BHP’s Chief Commercial Officer, Rag Udd, decarbonising the steel industry is a challenge that we cannot be met alone. “We must come together to leverage shared expertise and resources,” he said.