Monash to help cut steel production emissions
A national initiative to make steel production greener and more sustainable has launched at Monash University with the establishment of the ARC Research Hub for Smart Process Design and Control.
Steel production is a critical part of Australia’s economy, with iron ore exports accounting for 18-20% of national export income. By making steelmaking sustainable, the Hub not only addresses climate change but also strengthens Australia’s position in the global steel supply chain.
The Hub brings together researchers from Monash, Macquarie University, The University of Queensland, UNSW and Western Sydney University, alongside industry partners including Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO), Baowu Steel and China Steel Corporation, to develop smarter, low-emission steelmaking processes while supporting the long-term resilience and competitiveness of Australian iron ore.
Hub director and Monash chemical and biological engineering department professor Sankar Bhattacharya says the Hub would create smarter, cleaner and more efficient steelmaking processes.
“This Hub will create smarter, cleaner and more efficient steelmaking processes,” he said.
“By combining simulation, AI and industrial testing we can transform one of the world’s most critical industries to use diverse Australian ore while keeping Australia at the forefront of sustainable innovation.
“Collaboration between universities and industry can tackle one of the most urgent climate challenges while keeping Australia — and Australian iron ore — competitive in global markets.”
Monash University researchers have a proven track record in low carbon industrial technologies and, with the establishment of the Hub, will train the next generation of engineers and researchers to lead Australia’s transition to a low-emission industrial economy.
To celebrate the opening of the Hub, the Chemical and Biological Engineering Department hosted an international conference from November 29 to December 1 which featured more than 100 presentations from Australia, China and Korea.