In the current work, a computational fluid dynamics-based model was utilized to investigate the performance of the H₂ shaft furnace under a scenario where room-temperature H₂ is injected through a center gas distributor (CGD) installed at the unit bottom. Modelling was conducted to simulate scenarios where the CGD operation is applied with different feed gas rates (ranging from 0 to 250 Nm³/t-pellet). The results showed that a high temperature level and thus a better internal thermochemical state can be maintained with a proper CGD gas feed rate. However, an overly high CGD feed rate (being 150 Nm³/t-pellet or a higher value) induces a detrimental scenario where the thermal energy recycled by the room-temperature CGD gas is insufficient to compensate for the decrease of sensible heat of the preheated feed gas from the bustle-pipe. This eventually results in a noteworthy chemical reserve zone of high H₂ content and little solid reduction in the furnace center. A large quantity of H₂ consequently remains unutilized and leaves the furnace from the top. Under the investigated conditions, the final solid reduction degree rises to maximal value when the CGD gas feed rate is 100 Nm³/t-pellet. The findings of this work revealed that the room-temperature CGD gas injection operation holds significant promise for practical applications.