Tata Steel has become the first Indian steel producer to introduce biochar, a biomass-derived charcoal, at its Jamshedpur plant. This innovative step is part of the company’s broader efforts to achieve Net Zero carbon emissions by 2045 and reinforces its leadership in sustainable steelmaking.
Initiated as a trial in January 2023, the use of biochar has already replaced around 30,000 tonnes of fossil fuel at the Jamshedpur facility. This shift has the potential to cut over 50,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually, enhancing energy efficiency by partially substituting pulverized coal injection in blast furnaces. The technique has been successfully applied in furnaces exceeding 3,000 m³ volume and with daily outputs above 9,000 tonnes—marking a significant milestone globally.
Following the successful trial at one blast furnace, the company extended the practice to three additional units at the Jamshedpur site and plans to implement it at other facilities. Earlier, Tata Steel tested biomass as a sustainable alternative to traditional carbon sources at its Ferrochrome Plant in Athagarh, Odisha, marking another first in India’s ferrochrome production sector.
Tata Steel has implemented several initiatives in its journey toward carbon neutrality. These include adopting solar energy at production sites, utilizing biofuels for shipping materials, and conducting India’s first biofuel-powered voyage between East Coast Australia and India.
Tata Steel has consistently earned accolades for its sustainability efforts. It has been named a Steel Sustainability Champion by worldsteel for seven consecutive years and holds the ResponsibleSteel™ certification for its Jamshedpur, Kalinganagar, and Meramandali plants. Over 90% of Tata Steel’s production in India is now certified by ResponsibleSteel™ standards.
With an impressive annual crude steel production capacity of 35 million tonnes and a global footprint across five continents, the company stands as a leader in the steel industry. Boasting a consolidated turnover of $27.7 billion for FY24, it is widely recognized for its commitment to sustainability and digital innovation. As one of the most advanced and eco-conscious steelmakers globally, the organization continues to set benchmarks in operational excellence and environmental stewardship.
Tata Steel Group is among the top global steel companies, boasting an annual crude steel capacity of 35 million tonnes per annum. As one of the world’s most geographically diversified steel producers, it operates across five continents with a consolidated turnover of approximately $27.7 billion in FY24. Recognized as a Great Place to Work-Certified™ organization, Tata Steel employs over 78,000 people worldwide and aspires to achieve a 20% diverse workforce by 2025. The group has been a consistent leader in sustainability, with a commitment to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2045 and more than 90% of its steel production coming from ResponsibleSteel™ certified sites in India.
Tata Steel is at the forefront of digital innovation in the steel industry, embarking on a multi-year digital transformation journey to lead in ‘Digital Steelmaking.’ Its Jamshedpur, Kalinganagar, and IJmuiden plants have received Global Lighthouse recognition from the World Economic Forum, while the Economic Times CIO has awarded the company the 2024 ‘Digital Enterprise of India – Steel’ title. Additionally, Tata Steel has been recognized for its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, receiving the World Economic Forum’s Global DE&I Lighthouse accolade in 2023. It has also maintained its position among the top 10 steel companies in the DJSI Corporate Sustainability Assessment since 2016.
The company’s achievements are reflected in numerous accolades, including the Prime Minister’s Trophy for the best-performing integrated steel plant, the 2024 Steel Sustainability Champion recognition from worldsteel for the seventh consecutive year, and the 2023 Climate Change Leadership Award by CDP. Other honors include being ranked as India’s most valuable Mining and Metals brand by Brand Finance in 2024 and receiving the ICSI Business Responsibility and Sustainability Award 2023. Tata Steel continues to excel in financial reporting, risk management, and corporate responsibility, cementing its position as an industry leader globally.
