Green Metals for Sustainable Steel from Australia and Germany (SuSteelAG)

Forging a Sustainable Future: Green Iron and Steel Links Between Australia and Germany

The Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) and the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) have launched the Green Metals for Sustainable Steel from Australia and Germany (SuSteelAG) project—a feasibility and technical study aimed at exploring the potential of creating a sustainable green iron and steel value chain between the two nations. The Australian consortium is led by the University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney), building upon the HySupply Partnership, comprising of researchers and academics from UNSW School of Minerals and Energy Resources Engineering and ARC Training Centre for The Global Hydrogen Economy.

The project arrives at a critical juncture as Germany's steel sector faces the twin challenges of reducing carbon emissions whilst maintaining competitiveness amidst rising energy costs. The industry is pivoting towards greener technologies, specifically the use of Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) plants powered by green hydrogen to produce green iron for green steelmaking. This method could cut CO₂ emissions by up to 95% compared to traditional blast furnace techniques, positioning Germany as a leader in green steel production.

Australia, with its abundant iron ore reserves and renewable energy capacity, could supply Germany with both raw iron ore and green hydrogen—or even locally produced green iron or steel—facilitating the creation of a sustainable green metals value chain between the two nations.

The project will assess the technical feasibility of a green metals value chain between Australia and Germany, exploring broader implications for jobs, industry, and energy consumption in both countries. By leveraging Germany's advanced steel manufacturing expertise and Australia's iron ore and renewable energy resources, this collaboration could pave the way for a new era in green iron and steel production, advancing global efforts toward carbon neutrality.

The Case for an Australian Green Iron and Steel Supply Chain to Germany – Version 1 for Consultation

This report highlights the potential opportunities and synergies between Australia and Germany in establishing a green metal supply chain. This report forms the first part of a series of three reports.

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Technological Pathways for a Green Iron and Green Steel Supply Chain – Version 1 for Consultation

This report assesses the different technology pathways available for green iron and steel production which could be used in establishing a green metal supply chain between Australia and Germany. This report forms the second part of a series of three reports.

Roadmapping State of Play Report Draft

This report has been informed by stakeholder discussions and outlines the key barriers that must be addressed by both State and Federal Governments, as well as industry, to enable the development and success of emerging green iron and steel industries.