Hydrogen Rotary Kilns for Ironmaking in India
India’s iron and steel sector faces a significant challenge in decarbonizing over the coming decades, necessitating new technological solutions. A unique hurdle is India’s vast sector of small-scale sponge iron producers, who largely rely on coal-based rotary kilns to produce direct reduced iron (DRI).
The paper, ‘Hydrogen Rotary Kilns for Ironmaking in India: A novel solution for decarbonizing small-scale ironmaking,’ outlines a promising technological route for this segment of the industry.
In this study, TERI assesses a range of internationally developing low-emission options, identifying the hydrogen rotary kiln as the best fit for the Indian context. Drawing on initial outcomes from international R&D projects and expert insights, the paper highlights key benefits including low capital investment, feedstock flexibility, lower reaction temperatures, and increased metallization rates. The paper concludes with recommendations to support the commercialization of this technology, accelerating the decarbonization of India’s steel sector.