Red dirt, yellow sun, green steel: how Australia could benefit from a global shift to emissions-free steel

For years, decarbonising steel production has been seen as particularly challenging. But now, alternatives to the centuries-old practice of using coal to produce iron and steel are emerging. Researchers have been working on a number of new pathways to make steel with little or no emissions. The most promising process relying on the use of hydrogen.

Manufacturing news briefs – stories you might have missed

IDT misses out on MMI grant for mRNA vaccines Drug manufacturer IDT Australia has missed out on a Modern Manufacturing Initiative collaboration stream grant from the federal government to further development of mRNA vaccine manufacturing capabilities. The company, which is manufacturing the vaccine components for clinical trials of a mRNA vaccine developed by Monash University,…

New SA government aims for hydrogen leadership

By Peter Roberts Having previously led the world with the installation of the world-first Hornsdale big battery, the incoming Labor government in South Australia plans to do the same with the construction of a state-owned hydrogen electrolyser and green hydrogen-fired power station at Whyalla. Costed at $593 million, the 250 MWe electrolysers, 200MW power station…

Flinders looks to smart polymer coatings

Researchers at Flinders University in Adelaide have developed ‘smart polymers’ made from waste chemicals that not only protect pipework but remove mercury from water. They claim ‘an imaginative approach to polymer surface coating’ produced a sustainable way to remove mercury while providing a wide range of protection including for preventing metal corrosion and solvent damage…