Jindal Steel Duqm, a subsidiary of the Naveen Jindal Group is set to begin operations at its 5 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) hydrogen-enabled green steel plant in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD) in Oman by 2028. The project is being implemented in two phases, involves a total investment of approximately $3 billion, reported the Press Trust of India.

The facility is designed to be among the most advanced hydrogen-ready steel plants globally. Initially powered by natural gas, it will have the capability to transition to green hydrogen as supporting infrastructure becomes available. The complex will house two Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) modules with a capacity of 2.5 MTPA each. The first unit is scheduled to become operational by December 2028 with the second unit expected to be commissioned by 2030.

Both DRI units are engineered to operate on hydrogen from the outset, allowing for a seamless shift to cleaner fuels. Hydrogen injection into the DRI process is anticipated to begin by 2033, with a target of 10-15% hydrogen usage by 2035. This transition is expected to be supported by renewable energy and green hydrogen projects currently under development in Duqm by the Government of Oman and private sector players.

In its initial phase, the plant will produce Hot Briquetted Iron (HBI) and DRI with a reduced carbon footprint, catering to the rising demand for low-emission raw materials from global steel manufacturers, particularly in Europe. The facility will utilize Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) technology in combination with the DRI route, enabling a more flexible and sustainable steel production process. The project follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding and land allocation agreement between the Naveen Jindal Group and the Government of Oman in 2022.

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Jindal Steel Duqm to start Oman-based 5 MTPA green steel plant in 2028