University of Newcastle

03/17/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/16/2025 20:23

Global experts unite in Newcastle to decarbonise steelmaking

Global experts unite in Newcastle to decarbonise steelmaking

Monday, 17 March 2025

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Newcastle will play host to world-leading researchers in sustainable steelmaking next week, as they tackle one of the world's greatest industrial challenges - decarbonising the steel industry, which currently accounts for seven per cent of global CO2 emissions.

Materials for low carbon ironmaking

The International Conference on Sustainable Cokemaking and Ironmaking 2025 will bring together a lineup of global experts to share insights and drive innovation in the steel industry's transition to net zero.

The conference is facilitated by the University of Newcastle's BHP Centre for Sustainable Steelmaking Research (SSR), based at the University's Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources.

Co-Director of the University's Centre for SSR, Dr Arash Tahmasebi, said the conference provides a critical platform for international collaboration in developing low-carbon steelmaking technologies.

"This event is about knowledge exchange at a global scale," Dr Tahmasebi said.

"Every country faces different challenges in their transition to net-zero steel production, and by learning from each other, we can accelerate meaningful change."

The biannual conference, inaugurated in 2023, has established itself as a key event in the industry's push toward sustainable steel manufacturing.

Associate Professor Tom Honeyands, Co-Director of the University's Centre for SSR, said the event presented a unique opportunity for Australia to learn how steel producers and scientists across the world are navigating the challenges that come with transitioning to net-zero steel production.

"Sustainable steel manufacturing is complex - there's no one-size-fits-all approach.

"Different regions have unique resources, energy access, and market demands, and these factors must shape our approach to low-carbon steelmaking," Associate Professor Honeyands said.

Among the lineup of speakers is Dr Jian Li from China Baowu Steel Group - the world's largest steel producer- and keynote speaker Jan van der Stel from Tata Steel in Europe, a key player in the global push for sustainable steel.

Newcastle: A hub for sustainable steel innovation

The University of Newcastle's BHP Centre for Sustainable Steelmaking Research is at the forefront of innovation in low carbon cokemaking, modified blast furnace techniques, and alternative iron and steelmaking.

Associate Professor Honeyands said the Centre is driving research into new-generation technologies, including the direct reduced iron - electric smelting furnace route that can produce steel from medium grade iron ore using renewable electricity and hydrogen.

"We've successfully tested electric smelting of Australian iron ores at lab scale, demonstrating the potential for a significant reduction in steelmaking emissions. Now, we're working with industry to scale up this technology," Associate Professor Honeyands said.

The Centre is also focusing on reducing emissions in the short term, acknowledging that blast furnaces will remain the dominant steel production method for the next two decades.

"Our research is helping industry improve current processes while we work towards large-scale transition solutions."

Investing in the next generation of sustainable scientists

The conference will feature research presentations from seven PhD and Higher Degree by Research students at the University of Newcastle and showcase local projects in sustainable steelmaking.

Dr Tahmasebi said industry collaboration is vital to shaping research that's relevant.

"Our job as a university is to train scientists and engineers," Dr Tahmasebi said.

"By engaging with steel producers and visiting plants, our students gain firsthand insight into the industry's challenges. This understanding helps steer their research towards projects that will address these industry challenges and help the mining and steelmaking sector achieve their sustainability goals."

Celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, the University of Newcastle remains committed to harnessing the region's innovative spirit and driving global advancements in sustainable industries. The University's research efforts demonstrate its commitment to supporting next generation resources as the world moves closer to a net-zero economy.

The International Conference on Sustainable Cokemaking and Ironmaking 2025 will take place from 16 - 19 March at Newcastle City Hall. The event is sponsored by the University of Newcastle, BHP, The Australian Coal Industry's Research Program, and Hatch.

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