Tata Steel has entered into definitive agreements with Paul Wurth for the first implementation of its EASyMelt technology
The official handshake in New Delhi
From L-R: Peter Kinzel, head of green ironmaking SMS group; Jochen Burg, CEO SMS group; Akshay Khullar, VP engineering & projects Tata Steel; Paul Tockert, executive vice president metallurgy SMS group; Kanchinadham Parvatheesam, Tata Steel company secretary & chief legal officer
Back in June 2023, Tata Steel and SMS signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on decarbonising the ironmaking process. Following a successful front-end loading study, Tata Steel has decided to move forward with the project in a phased manner, working towards the implementation and development of EASyMelt technology.
This initiative represents a key milestone in Tata Steel’s journey towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2045.
EASyMelt enables blast furnaces to operate with minimal coke levels by integrating 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. EASyMelt can still use conventional sinter feed, avoiding dependence on the costly and scarce high-grade iron ore required by direct reduction plants.
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 decarbonisation projects,” added Jochen Burg, CEO of SMS group.
As numerous markets face challenges related to scrap availability, iron ore quality and access to green energy resources, EASyMelt claims to offer a pragmatic pathway to achieving decarbonisation goals, filling the gap between iron ore availability and green steel demand.