SAIL-Rourkela Marks a New Era with Coke Oven Battery #7 Project
Rourkela Steel Plant, a flagship unit of the renowned Maharatna steel conglomerate Steel Authority of India Limited, recently achieved a significant milestone in its modernization journey with the groundbreaking ceremony for the Coke Oven Battery #7 project. This event, held on January 23, 2025, is part of RSP’s ongoing efforts to modernize its facilities and boost its steel production capacity under the Modernization and Expansion initiative.
The ceremonial event was graced by key dignitaries, including Sudip Pal Chowdhury, Executive Director (Projects) at SAIL, Aneesh Jamaiyar, Chief General Manager (Projects), and K K Pathak, Deputy Commandant (CISF), along with other senior officers from RSP. Representatives from the project consortium, including S Gokulan, Project Manager from L&T Ltd., and officials from Thyssenkrupp Uhde, Germany, also attended the ceremony.
Details of the Project: Enhancing Production Capacity and Technology
The Coke Oven Battery #7 project is pivotal to RSP’s plans for increasing its production capacity while integrating state-of-the-art technology. The project, valued at significant investment, involves the construction of a 0.77 Million Tons Per Annum Stamp Charged Coke Oven Battery. The new facility is expected to further enhance RSP’s ability to meet growing demands for high-quality steel and cement the plant’s position as a key player in India’s steel sector.
The project is being executed on an EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) basis, with a consortium of M/s L&T Ltd., India, and M/s Thyssenkrupp Uhde, Germany, at the helm. The use of advanced stamp charging technology from Thyssenkrupp represents a leap forward in both production efficiency and sustainability. The technology, which is the first of its kind to be implemented at SAIL, will help optimize coke production and reduce energy consumption.
Project Timeline and Progress
The groundbreaking ceremony included the commencement of soil testing and the first pile driving, marking the official start of construction. Sudip Pal Chowdhury, Executive Director (Projects), lauded the project team for their exemplary work in preparing the site ahead of schedule and ensuring readiness for piling activities. He also emphasized the importance of maintaining high standards of safety and quality throughout the project's execution.
This ambitious initiative is expected to significantly enhance RSP's steel production capacity, enabling the plant to meet the growing demand for steel both domestically and globally. The Coke Oven Battery #7 project will not only support the plant's output but also contribute to the overall improvement in environmental performance by implementing sustainable practices.
