Andrew "Twiggy" Forrest has been vocal about Western Australia's...

Andrew "Twiggy" Forrest has been vocal about Western Australia's urgent need to accelerate its green steel and iron production to maintain global competitiveness. Here's a synthesis of key points from the search results regarding WA's green steel transition and Forrest's stance:

1. WA's Lagging Progress in Green Steel

• Despite WA's dominance in iron ore exports, the state risks missing its window to lead in green steel production. A landmark report by the Chamber of Minerals and Energy WA (CME) highlights that large-scale green iron production could reduce global emissions by 1.2% by 2050 and generate $74billionineconomicvalue,butsignificantinvestment($37.5 billion by 2030) is required .

• Forrest emphasizes that other countries are rapidly advancing in green steel technology, and WA must act swiftly to capitalize on its iron ore resources and renewable energy potential .

2. Forrest's Push for "Real Zero"

• Forrest advocates for "real zero" emissions (not just "net zero") in mining and steelmaking. His company, Fortescue, is investing heavily in green hydrogen and ammonia projects to decarbonize iron ore operations and shipping .

• Fortescue's initiatives include:

  • A 644 MW solar plant in the Pilbara to power iron ore operations .

  • Green hydrogen projects in Arizona, Norway, and Brazil .

  • The world’s first ammonia-powered ship, the Fortescue Green Pioneer, to decarbonize shipping .

3. Collie's Industrial Transition

• The WA government has invested over $662 million in Collie's transition from coal to green industries, including a green steel mill by Green Steel WA (targeting 2027 operations) and a magnesium refinery .

• However, uncertainty remains among workers, as many projects (e.g., Green Steel WA, International Graphite) have not reached final investment decisions (FID) .

4. Challenges and Skepticism

• Market volatility (e.g., falling lithium and graphite prices) has delayed critical mineral projects, impacting job creation timelines .

• The Greens criticize WA's lack of a 2030 emissions target and reliance on gas, calling for a levy on gas revenue to fund renewables .

5. Forrest's Warning

• Forrest argues that WA must "rethink the entire iron and steel value chain" to avoid losing its competitive edge. He stresses that green steel could become Australia's largest industry, but delays risk ceding leadership to other nations .

Key Takeaway:

WA has the resources and renewable energy potential to lead the green steel transition, but Forrest warns that bureaucratic delays, market instability, and insufficient policy urgency could squander this opportunity. Immediate action—backed by public-private investment—is critical 71314.

who are these countries

Andrew Forrest has warned that several countries are rapidly advancing in green steel production, potentially leaving Western Australia (and Australia as a whole) behind. Here are the key competitors leading the charge in green steel and hydrogen-based ironmaking:

1. Sweden & Europe

• HYBRIT (Sweden) – A joint venture between SSAB, LKAB, and Vattenfall, HYBRIT is the world’s first commercial green steel project, using hydrogen direct reduction (HDR) instead of coal.

  • First delivery of fossil-free steel was made to Volvo in 2021.

  • Aims for fully fossil-free steel production by 2030.

• H2 Green Steel (Sweden) – Another major player, backed by Mercedes-Benz and other investors, plans to produce 5 million tonnes of green steel annually by 2030.

• Germany & EU – Thyssenkrupp and ArcelorMittal are investing billions in hydrogen-based steel plants, supported by EU green subsidies.

2. China

• Baowu Steel (world’s largest steelmaker) is piloting hydrogen-based steelmaking and aims for carbon neutrality by 2050.

• China dominates global steel production and is investing heavily in hydrogen DRI (Direct Reduced Iron) and carbon capture (CCUS) to decarbonize.

3. Middle East (Saudi Arabia & UAE)

• Saudi Arabia’s NEOM Green Hydrogen Project (backed by ACWA Power and Air Products) will supply clean hydrogen for steelmaking.

• UAE’s Emirates Steel has already produced green steel using hydrogen.

4. United States

• Department of Energy (DOE) is funding hydrogen hubs, including for steel production.

• Cleveland-Cliffs and Nucor are investing in hydrogen and electric arc furnaces (EAFs) for lower-carbon steel.

5. India

• Tata Steel and JSW Steel are exploring hydrogen-based steelmaking to meet net-zero targets.

• India plans to mandate green hydrogen use in steelmaking to cut emissions.

Why WA Risks Falling Behind

Forrest argues that while WA has cheap renewables (solar/wind) and iron ore, other nations are moving faster due to:

• Government subsidies (EU’s Carbon Border Tax, US Inflation Reduction Act incentives).

• Corporate commitments (e.g., Volvo, Mercedes-Benz buying Swedish green steel).

• First-mover advantage in hydrogen-based steel technology.

Conclusion

If WA doesn’t act quickly, it could remain just an iron ore exporter while Europe, China, and the Middle East dominate green steel production. Forrest’s push for hydrogen and ammonia projects aims to prevent this, but time is running out.