While iron and steel may be considered the backbone of transport logistics – used in trailers, chassis, bridges, ports – current production methods are reported to be responsible for up to 9.0 per cent of global CO₂ emissions.
This is more than aviation, shipping and mining.
Professor Yansong Shen, Head of the University of New South Wales’ (UNSW) Lab for Green Metals, is leading research into cleaner, cost-effective ways to produce steel without sacrificing strength or durability.
“A steel plant lasts for decades, so decisions today lock in emissions for generations,” said Shen.
Researchers are exploring several routes to decarbonise steelmaking:
- Hydrogen-based direct reduced iron (H-DRI). Iron ore reacts with green hydrogen, then is converted to steel in electric arc furnaces powered by renewables. Potential emissions cuts: 80–90 per cent, though dependent on hydrogen, iron ore and energy supply.
- Recycling scrap steel. Melting scrap in electric arc furnaces powered by green electricity reduces emissions nearly to zero. Scalability is limited by scrap availability.
- Iron ore electrolysis. Splitting iron ore with renewable electricity avoids fossil fuels entirely. Still experimental but promises zero-emission ironmaking.
- Blast furnace upgrades (RISB technologies). Existing plants retrofit with renewable injectants, sustainable materials and carbon capture. Lower-cost, high-feasibility decarbonisation without full rebuild.
Greener iron and steel mean trailers, trucks, and infrastructure can be built with a smaller carbon footprint without compromising safety or performance.
For manufacturers, green steel also promises supply chain stability as decarbonisation accelerates worldwide.
Scaling green steel remains difficult.
Hydrogen and renewable electricity costs are high, scrap metal supply is limited and new technologies need validation at commercial scale.
Shen emphasised a staged R&D approach with computer simulations, lab experiments, then pilot plants—to bring solutions to market efficiently.
For the trailer and transport sectors, greener steel is not just eco-friendly, it may be essential for staying competitive in a low-carbon future.
Earlier this year, SSAB celebrated Hardox’s 50th anniversary.
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