| Project Detail |
The University of Newcastle project aims to further develop the hydrogen Direct Reduced Iron – Electric Smelting Furnace process route for production of low carbon iron from lower grade Australian iron ores.
Need
This project was selected as part of the competitive Iron and Steel R&D Funding Round under the Transformative Research Accelerating Commercialisation (TRAC) Program to create solutions for Australian iron ore, predominantly comprised of lower grade ore from the Pilbara, and to decarbonise domestic steel production. Near-term investment in innovative R&D is a critical enabler to rapidly develop the technologies required to transition to a net zero future state. Projects supported by the Iron and Steel R&D Funding Round seek to accelerate novel and innovative low emissions iron and steel technologies using Australian iron ore.
As the world’s iron and steel industry seeks to find alternative process routes for the abatement of CO2 emissions, Australia’s lower grade iron ore resources are challenged to remain competitive. This project aims to facilitate Australia’s research capability for the hydrogen reduction of direct shipment ores and their utilisation in electric smelting for iron and steel production.
The capability to make hydrogen direct reduced iron and then smelt using in-situ electrode heating to iron and slag products does not currently reside in Australian research facilities. This project will set up a laboratory testing platform for the close coupled research into Australian DRI and electric smelting furnace technologies.
Findings from the project research will be shared with industry to contribute to pilot opportunities and further development of the technology. |
