The initiative is a step towards creating a platform to accelerate the transition to low-carbon steelmaking

Scientists and industry representatives from Australia and China gathered in Shanghai for the first joint workshop on green steel technology (Australia–China Green Iron Technology Workshop). 

The event, organised by the University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) in partnership with the Beijing University of Science and Technology (USTB) and the Metallurgy Branch of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (MC-CCPIT), was dedicated to exploring practical ways to reduce emissions in pig iron and steel production.

The event took place as part of the Second China International Steel Week. Following the seminar, the parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding providing for the establishment of a joint research platform for the development of ‘green’ steel. In addition, a mentoring programme for young scientists was launched, aimed at developing the research and leadership skills of promising scientists from both countries.

Representatives of the Chinese scientific community have identified two priority areas:

1. Modernisation and efficiency improvements to existing blast furnaces.

2. The development of fundamentally new steel production technologies.

In particular, Professor Shen’s team presented the RISB (Renewable Injections–Sustainable Burdens) technology, designed for existing blast furnaces. It offers a practical and affordable way to achieve decarbonisation in the short term.

“The direct combination of Australia’s abundant natural resources and UNSW’s scientific expertise with China’s extensive industrial experience is one of the most effective pathways to the deep decarbonisation of the global steel industry,” said Professor Yansong Shen, Director of the SCoPE Green Metals Development Laboratory at UNSW.

Australia has significant reserves of high-quality iron ore and considerable potential for renewable energy, whilst China is the world’s largest steel producer, capable of implementing technologies on an industrial scale.

The event will be held alternately in Australia and China, providing a permanent platform for accelerating the transition to low-carbon steel production.