Tata Steel and SMS group to implement world’s first-of-its-kind blast furnace decarbonization technology, the Paul Wurth EASyMelt

• Tata Steel has entered into definitive agreements with Paul Wurth S.A. (Paul Wurth Luxembourg), part of SMS group GmbH, for the implementation of world-first EASyMelt technology
• Tata Steel intends to proceed with the phased first industrial demonstration of this technology in blast furnace E (649 cubic meters) in Jamshedpur
• Tata Steel’s objective is to cut CO₂ emissions by more than 50 percent compared to the blast furnace’s baseline operation
• EASyMelt (electrically-assisted syngas smelter) offers the most resource-flexible solution for decarbonizing ironmaking and has the potential to achieve climate neutrality

Upon completion, Tata Steel’s blast furnace E in Jamshedpur will be the first plant worldwide to be converted to EASyMelt.

T V Narendran, CEO and Managing Director of Tata Steel, said, “The transition to low-carbon steelmaking will be shaped by our ability to reimagine and transform existing production ecosystems. At Tata Steel, we are advancing this shift through a focused blend of technology, innovation, and strong partnerships. Our collaboration with SMS group marks a significant milestone, accelerating our journey towards achieving net zero.”

“We appreciate Tata Steel’s trust in our abilities. This commitment from an industry leader enables us to bring our EASyMelt technology to life. Building the first EASyMelt on an industrial scale is a significant milestone and paves the way for future brownfield decarbonization projects,” added Jochen Burg, CEO of SMS group.

Tata Steel Limited and SMS signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on June 14, 2023 to collaborate on decarbonizing the ironmaking process. Following a successful front-end loading study, Tata Steel has decided to move forward with the project in a phased manner.

This initiative represents a key milestone in Tata Steel’s journey towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2045, one of the most ambitious targets adopted by any major steel company globally. Tata Steel and SMS will jointly work towards the implementation and development of the EASyMelt technology.

This revolutionary technology enables blast furnaces to operate with minimal coke levels. EASyMelt is unique in that it integrates syngas into the reduction process, significantly lowering carbon emissions. Syngas acts as a reducing agent, replacing coke’s role in the blast furnace. Top gas recycling is used to produce syngas by reforming hydrocarbon-containing gases, such as coke oven gas. The resulting syngas is then injected at the shaft and the tuyere levels. Plasma torches directly electrify the process by superheating the syngas injected into the tuyere.

This process is flexible in terms of energy sources and can use natural gas, coke oven gas, hydrogen, ammonia, and electricity. Therefore, it can be adapted to local availability levels and requirements. Furthermore, EASyMelt can still use conventional sinter feed, avoiding dependence on the costly and scarce high-grade iron ore required by direct reduction plants.

As numerous markets face challenges related to scrap availability, iron ore quality, and access to green energy resources, EASyMelt offers a pragmatic and innovative pathway to achieving decarbonization goals, filling the gap between iron ore availability and green steel demand.