China steel company to study use of Australian green hydrogen

Fortescue Metals Group has opened the way for the export of green hydrogen and iron ore to the world’s largest steel producer, helping to reduce emissions across iron and steel making.

Fortescue, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China Baowu Steel Group Corporation to work together on reducing emissions associated with iron and steel making.

According to a statement the collaboration will explore lower emissions iron making technology at one of China Baowu’s operations in China ‘/using Fortescue iron ore and green hydrogen’, iron ore beneficiation research and development and collaboration opportunities in renewable energy and green hydrogen.

Fortescue Metals Chief Executive Officer Fiona Hick said: “This MoU further strengthens our longstanding partnership with China Baowu, the world’s biggest steel maker and Fortescue’s largest customer, and reflects our collective commitment to eliminate emissions.

“Fortescue is exploring a range of options to reduce emissions in the steel value chain including through partnerships with suppliers, customers and research institutes.

“We firmly believe that collaboration and partnerships such as this will be integral to developing the technologies required to deliver on our ambitious target of net zero Scope 3 emissions by 2040.”

China Baowu Chairman Derong Chen said collaboration with iron ore suppliers and enhancing the strategic planning of iron ore were key to Baowu’s strategy.

Chen said: “The green and low carbon transition provides Baowu with significant challenges and development opportunities.

“Fortescue’s strategy of transitioning into a green energy and resources company is aligned with Baowu’s future development plan. We look forward to conducting more substantive collaborations together on iron ore, green energy and resource development.”

China Baowu Steel Group Corporation produced 132 million tonnes of steel in 2022.

Headquartered in Shanghai, China Baowu released its low carbon metallurgy road map in 2021 which outlined its commitment to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

Picture: Fortescue Metals Group