The production of green steel will be a critical step to enable the world’s heavy industry to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and Australia is well placed to be an important player in this space.
In the HiTemp Outlook #2 Report researchers from the University of Adelaide’s Centre for Energy Technology (CET), in collaboration with some of the world’s leading energy experts, have identified some of the most prospective pathways for heavy industry to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions.
“We are developing affordable ways to produce materials, such as steel, cement and aluminium, using greener sources of energy,” says Professor Gus Nathan, who is the Director of the Centre for Energy Technology and the Deputy Director of the Institute for Mineral and Energy Resources at the University of Adelaide.
“The production of these materials is energy-intensive and their greenhouse gas emissions are hard to abate. However, new technologies are now emerging to enable them to be manufactured using renewable energy sources rather than fossil fuels. This will significantly reduce their impact on the environment.
“If Australia invests to build the necessary renewable electricity and hydrogen supply chains, we can become key players in the low-carbon transition and the new economy.” Professor Gus Nathan.
“Consumer demand for green products is generating the new market premiums that are beginning to drive the investment needed to decarbonise the sector.
“Europe has already committed to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and is beginning to introduce a Carbon Border Tax on carbon-intensive products. China and the UK have comparable targets and approaches.”
Officially launched today 12 April, the HiTeMP Outlook #2 Report was published by the University of Adelaide following the second HiTemp Forum, a world-leading think tank, which engaged international specialists from industry, research, government, and community to chart the path for heavy industrial sector to a new, low-net-carbon future.
“South Australia is leading the way when it comes to transitioning to a clean, modern energy system,” says SA Minister for Energy and Mining, Dan van Holst Pellekaan.
“The South Australian Government is focused on advancing industrial-scale production of green hydrogen as key to exporting low-carbon commodities and developing a green hydrogen international export industry.”
“Just as HiTeMP-2 is up for the challenge in charting a pathway forward towards carbon neutrality, the South Australian Government is proud to lend support to ongoing initiatives that will help South Australia to grow climate smart and low emission industries, create new jobs and attract additional investment, particularly to regional areas.
“The scale of the task is immense but through collaboration, industry, research partners and government can advance breakthrough…