In a key development that would take the quest for sustainable development to new paths, the Tata Steel has successfully trialled the use of biomass fuel in ferrochrome production at its Ferro Alloys and Minerals Division (FAMD) in Athagarh, Odisha.
The trial by Tata Steel marked a significant step towards sustainable ferrochrome production by replacing conventional fossil fuels with biomass, a renewable energy source derived from organic materials.
The Tata Steel initiative is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by 0.08 tons per ton of ferrochrome (with 5% biomass usage), accounting for about 6% of the total CO2 emissions from the ferrochrome plant.
FAMD, the ferrochrome producing unit of Tata Steel, is the first in India to conduct such a trial as a sustainable alternative to traditional carbon sources. The process involves replacing conventional reductants with carbon-neutral biomass, produced by low-temperature burning of wood in an oxygen-starved environment. The carbon released during the burning of charcoal in the Submerged Arc Furnace (SAF) is balanced by the carbon absorbed by the trees from which it is made.
Highlighting the division’s commitment to environmental sustainability, Pankaj Satija, Executive-In-Charge of FAMD, Tata Steel, said, “This trial is part of our commitment to sustainability and our relentless pursuit of reducing carbon emissions. By leveraging biomass, we aim to create a cleaner, more sustainable production process, contributing to a greener future.”
He also added that the transition to biomass is an important milestone in the sustainability journey of Tata Steel. The company will continue to explore and implement innovative solutions that drive environmental performance and operational excellence.
In a similar stint, NTPC Limited recently achieved a significant milestone by successfully demonstrating the co-firing of 20% torrefied biomass at its Tanda unit in Uttar Pradesh marking a notable advancement towards promoting a sustainable future.
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