Gensol and Matrix Join Forces to Build India’s Largest Green Steel Facility
Gensol: It signals a new era in green steel production, offering a model that could inspire similar initiatives
Gensol Engineering Limited, a prominent solar EPC (engineering, procurement, and construction) company, has announced a partnership with Matrix Gas & Renewables to develop India’s first and largest Green Steel plant, utilizing 100% green hydrogen. This ambitious initiative represents a major milestone in sustainable steel production, aligning with India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission. The project is among three pilot initiatives approved by MECON, in coordination with the Ministry of Steel (MoS) and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), demonstrating a significant step forward in decarbonizing India’s steel industry.
Investment and Government Support
The total capital investment for the facility is projected to be INR 321 crore, with the Government of India offering 50% capex incentives to support this trailblazing initiative. The financial backing from the government reflects a shared commitment to promoting sustainable development and lowering carbon emissions in the traditionally coal-intensive steel sector.
Revolutionizing Sponge Iron Production with Green Hydrogen
The plant will feature direct reduced iron (DRI) vertical shaft technology, which converts iron ore into sponge iron. Unlike conventional sponge iron production—often powered by coal or natural gas—this process will rely entirely on green hydrogen generated from renewable energy sources, effectively eliminating CO₂ emissions. The use of DRI technology tailored to Indian-grade ore also sets the stage for Matrix to replicate similar green steel facilities for small- and mid-scale producers in Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and other regions across India.
Consortium and Project Management
A consortium of partners—Matrix Gas & Renewables Ltd., Gensol Engineering Ltd., Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar, and Metsol AB (Sweden)—will collaborate on the plant, which will have a production capacity of 50 tons per day (TPD). Matrix will oversee all aspects of the project, including land acquisition, environmental clearances, and design, engineering, procurement, and logistics. The scope also includes manufacturing, installation, testing, commissioning, and the development of supporting infrastructure to ensure smooth operations.
Leadership Vision
Chirag Kotecha, Whole-time Director of Matrix Gas & Renewables Ltd., expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating:
“We are excited to lead a transformative initiative that will reshape India’s steel industry. This project not only highlights our dedication to green hydrogen and sustainable practices but also positions us as key contributors to India’s clean energy goals. We look forward to collaborating with the Government of India and other stakeholders to ensure the success of this initiative under the National Green Hydrogen Mission.”
Supporting India’s Green Energy Transition
This project aligns with the Government of India’s vision for a sustainable industrial future, reinforcing the country’s commitment to green energy and reducing carbon emissions. The facility also reflects India’s increasing focus on integrating renewable energy into industrial processes, promoting clean energy innovation, and enhancing domestic manufacturing capabilities.
The awarding of this project further establishes Matrix Gas & Renewables as a leader in innovative energy solutions and underlines the company’s expertise in managing large-scale energy transitions.
This development signals a new era in green steel production, offering a model that could inspire similar initiatives across the global steel industry.