State-owned MECON has issued a request for proposal (RfP) for pilot projects on hydrogen injection in sponge iron plants and blast furnaces, aiming to promote decarbonization and sustainability, according to an official statement. The Ministry of Steel highlighted this initiative as a step towards reducing carbon emissions in the industry.

The RfP document is available on Tenderwizard, and the central procurement portal since June 11, 2024, has a bid submission deadline of July 8, 2024. The Ministry invites proposals from central public sector enterprises, state government-owned entities, private companies, research institutions, and equipment design and manufacturing firms.

Direct reduced iron (DRI), or sponge iron, is produced through the direct reduction of iron ore, while blast furnaces produce hot metal using iron ore and coking coal. MECON, a public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Steel, is heading this initiative to enhance sustainability in iron and steel production. (Source: ET)