Tata Steel has achieved a new milestone in India’s steel industry by commissioning the country’s largest blast furnace at its Kalinganagar plant in Odisha. This major development is set to significantly enhance the plant’s production capacity, increasing it from 3 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) to 8 MTPA. The Rs 27,000 crore investment in this cutting-edge furnace marks a major boost for the Indian steel sector and key industries like automotive, infrastructure, and defence.
Tata Steel’s Mega Investment in Odisha
With the inauguration of this new blast furnace, Tata Steel continues to solidify its presence in Odisha, which has become the company’s biggest investment hub in India. Over the past decade, Tata Steel has invested more than Rs 1 lakh crore in Odisha, cementing the region’s role as a crucial center for steel production. The expansion of the Kalinganagar plant through this project will allow Tata Steel to meet the growing demand from various sectors more efficiently.
Key Features of Tata Steel’s New Blast Furnace
The newly commissioned blast furnace has a volume of 5,870 cubic metres, making it India’s largest. It is equipped with advanced technology that enhances operational efficiency and supports long-term uninterrupted production. This eco-friendly design aims to reduce the environmental impact while improving steel production.
One of the standout features of this furnace is the use of four top combustion stoves, a first in India, which ensures optimum fuel consumption during the hot metal production process. Additionally, two preheating stoves have been installed to further increase the furnace’s overall efficiency.
Energy-Efficient Design: Power Generation from By-Product Gas
In a first for Tata Steel, a dry gas cleaning plant has been set up within this blast furnace. This innovative system allows maximum energy recovery from by-product gases, which would otherwise go to waste. Another key feature is the installation of the world’s largest top gas recovery turbine (TRT), with a power generation capacity of 35 MW. This system will enable the plant to recover 10% additional energy, making the process more energy-efficient.
Moreover, the furnace features an evaporative cooling system, which is being used for the first time in any Indian blast furnace. This system reduces water and power consumption by about 20% compared to traditional methods, making it both energy-saving and space-efficient.
A Global Lighthouse for Innovation and Sustainability
Tata Steel’s Kalinganagar plant has been recognized as a ‘Global Lighthouse’ by the World Economic Forum (WEF), making it the first manufacturing facility in India to receive this prestigious title. The ‘Global Lighthouse’ title reflects excellence in production and leadership in technical innovation and digital transformation. This recognition further enhances Tata Steel’s reputation as a pioneer in sustainable and innovative steel manufacturing.
Tata Steel Share Price Performance
Following the commissioning of the new blast furnace, Tata Steel’s shares showed a positive movement on the stock market. On Friday, the share price of Tata Steel closed at Rs 152.05 on the BSE, up by Rs 2.45 or 1.64%. During the day, the stock opened at Rs 151.15, reaching a high of Rs 153.25 and a low of Rs 150.80, before closing at Rs 152.05.
This increase in the share price reflects investor confidence in Tata Steel’s latest developments and its ongoing commitment to expanding its production capacity and technological capabilities.
