https://lnkd.in/es9-gRiSThe WWF report "Forging Futures:...

https://lnkd.in/es9-gRiS

The WWF report "Forging Futures: Changing the Nature of Iron and Steel Production" highlights the significant opportunity for Australia to become a global leader in green steel manufacturing. This involves producing green iron and hydrogen-based Direct Reduced Iron (H2-DRI), leveraging Australia's abundant natural resources and renewable energy potential. Key insights include:

1. Economic Potential:

   • The green steel market could add between $96 billion and $295 billion annually to Australia's economy.
   • Developing this industry could create 240,000 jobs while diversifying the economy away from fossil fuels.

2. Environmental Benefits:

   • Steel production contributes to 7-9% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
   • Transitioning to green steel, powered by renewable energy and green hydrogen, would significantly reduce emissions in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, the world’s largest steel-producing area.

3. Strategic Advantages:

   • Australia's rich iron ore reserves and renewable energy capacity position it uniquely to lead this transition.
   • Exporting green iron (Hot-Briquetted Iron - HBI) is the most cost-effective way to support decarbonization in APAC.

4. Challenges:

   • Accelerating the deployment of renewable energy is essential, requiring up to 330 GW of capacity to replace 10% of Asia's steel-making emissions.
   • Development must balance decarbonization with environmental and community safeguards, including protecting biodiversity hotspots and engaging Indigenous landowners effectively.

5. Recommendations:

   • The Australian government must implement incentives for regenerative and decarbonization initiatives.
   • Collaboration with APAC countries to establish carbon pricing and green value chain standards is critical.
   • Efforts should focus on creating green iron production hubs and enhancing renewable energy deployment rates.