BHP-JSW Steel Developing Carbon Capture Tech for Steelmaking

A joint initiative of JSW and BHP, if successful will significantly decarbonise the steel industry, which is among the largest contributors to carbon emissions. JSW, India's leading private steel manufacturer, has already made significant progress in the direction of reducing carbon emissions, cutting them by 30 per cent from 2005 levels. The company, however, recognises the need to do more, especially given that blast furnaces are set remain the mainstay for steel production for the foreseeable future.

Under the joint agreement the two companies will investigate the use of Carbon Clean CycloneCC, technology, which is designed to capture up to 100000 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year, making it the largest deployment of the technology in steel-making to date. A part of broader carbon capture utilisation and storage strategy, CycloneCC is being viewed as a critical component in reducing CO2 emissions from difficult-to-decarbonise industries.

The technology stands out for its ability to significantly reduce the total installed cost of carbon capture systems while taking up a much smaller footprint. If successful, the project could see captured CO2 liquefied and sold locally, further enhancing the potential economic and environmental benefits of the collaboration. The feasibility studies are expected to conclude in 2026 at which point the companies will consider installing the CycloneCC system at the Vijayanagar plant of JSW.