The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) is supporting BlueScope Steel with $924,784 in funding to investigate options to decarbonise operations at the Port Kembla Steelworks (PKSW) in NSW.
The Port Kembla Steelworks Renewables and Emissions Reduction Study will consider the technical and economic viability of several decarbonisation options for the plant. This initial project will explore two main pathways to lowering emissions at Port Kembla.
Smart Carbon Usage refers to opportunities to substitute coal with renewable carbon sources in the steel production process. The project includes a series of plant trials in which BlueScope will investigate the potential to partially replace coal that is injected into the blast furnace with renewable biochar.
The project will provide valuable insights into the potential pathways to decarbonise steel production at PKSW.
BlueScope’s initial insights will be captured in a series of publicly released findings to maximise the benefit for a wider set of stakeholders.
ARENA CEO Darren Miller said reducing emissions from making steel was a priority for Australia.
“To meet our net zero targets, Australia needs to reduce emissions from the iron ore mining sector and steel industry,” said Miller.
“More than seven per cent of the world’s emissions come from steelmaking and these emissions have proven difficult to abate. We’re pleased to be partnering with an Australian company motivated to solve this decarbonisation challenge.”
“As the world’s largest exporter of iron ore, Australia has an important role to play in lowering emissions across the steel value chain. We’re excited by the insights this project will provide. This is a positive step toward building a low emissions steel industry here in Australia.”
ARENA has identified the steel aluminium value chains as priority areas where it aims to support innovative and replicable technologies, processes and commercial models that can help to lower emissions.
The project is expected to be completed within 13 months.
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