Calix’s Zero Emissions Steel TechnologY (ZESTY) was announced as the winner of the global Net-Zero Industries Award for Outstanding Project at an award ceremony at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan.
The award, presented by The Honourable Chris Bowen MP, Australian Minister for Climate Change and Energy, and Leonore Gewessler, Austrian Minister for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology recognised ZESTY’s success to date and potential to deliver a lowest cost solution to produce green iron and steel.
Organised by Mission Innovation’s Net-Zero Industries Mission, whose member countries account for over 50% of global industrial emissions and USD$13 billion in annual investment in research, development and demonstration, the awards celebrate exceptional contributions to industrial decarbonisation on the global stage.
On receiving the award, Calix CEO and Managing Director, Phil Hodgson reflected on the potential of the technology for global impact and acknowledged the collaborative effort that had delivered the successful pilot project.
“Responsible for around 8% of global carbon dioxide emissions, iron and steel is one of the largest and hardest-to-abate sources of industrial emissions. I hope this award highlights that ‘hard-to-abate’ climate challenges can be solved. Technology solutions are ready to be scaled and deployed. And ZESTY, with its minimal hydrogen use, efficient electric heating, and compatibility with a range of ore types, has the potential to deliver an industry-wide and lowest cost solution.
“ZESTY’s success has been made possible through our collaboration with industry partners and members of the Heavy Industry Low-carbon Transition Cooperative Research Centre, coupled with support from the Australian Government. We recognise and thank all our partners for their support and look forward to continuing our collaborations as we take ZESTY to the commercial demonstration phase and beyond.”
Darren Miller, Australian Renewable Energy Agency CEO said, “Australia plays a leading role in producing much of the world’s iron ore, so it’s vital that we play our part in decarbonising the supply chain.”
“ARENA is pleased to be supporting Calix’s Australian technology aiming to decarbonise this ‘hard-to-abate’ sector and help protect Australia’s valuable export industry.”
“We congratulate Calix on winning the Net-Zero Industry Award. Calix represents great Australian innovation and highlights what is possible in finding practical solutions for reducing emissions in the metals refining process,” Mr Miller said.
Jenny Selway, Heavy Industry Low-carbon Transition CRC CEO said, “The innovative thinking behind the ZESTY project is a prime example of what industry needs to develop cost-competitive and scalable technology for low-emissions iron ore processing. It has been gratifying to work with Calix on accelerating the development of this technology, which can contribute to the decarbonisation of heavy industry. Congratulations to the Calix team for this well-deserved recognition.”
The Honourable Chris Bowen MP, Australian Minister for Climate Change and Energy, said: “My heartfelt congratulations to the winners of the 2024 Net-Zero Industries Award. Your pioneering work not only has the potential to transform industries, but it also sets powerful new standards for sustainable practices worldwide. By delivering innovative solutions that reduce emissions effectively and affordably, you are leading the charge towards a decarbonised global economy. I am eager to see how your projects, initiatives, and research contribute to our shared journey to a net-zero future.”
Leonore Gewessler, Austrian Minister for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology, said: ‘Achieving industrial decarbonisation requires collective action, innovative solutions, and collaboration across borders. The winners of this year’s Net-Zero Industries Award show us that progress is possible, and their pioneering work sets the stage for a greener, more sustainable industrial future. Congratulations to all the award winners – you are trailblazers, demonstrating through your innovative work how transformative change is possible. Your achievements inspire others to take bold steps towards a decarbonised future.’
About ZESTY
Calix’s Zero Emissions Steel TechnologY (ZESTY) is a renewably powered hydrogen direct reduced iron (H-DRI) technology for the production of green iron and ultimately, green steel.
ZESTY’s indirect heating enables fossil fuel combustion to be replaced by efficient electric heating. ZESTY can also run intermittently to match renewable power generation or help stabilise electricity grids. Hydrogen is used to remove oxygen from the iron ore to produce metallic iron and water. Hydrogen, however, is not combusted or used as a fuel, and is easily recycled.
Through efficient electric heating, the most efficient use possible of hydrogen, the elimination of additional processing steps, and intermittent operability, ZESTY aims to deliver the lowest cost decarbonisation solution for green iron and steel.
Read more about the ZESTY pilot project here: https://calix.global/news/
About Net-Zero Industries Mission and Mission Innovation
The Net-Zero Industries Mission launched in 2022 and is the first ever global innovation coalition with the goal of developing and demonstrating cost-competitive solutions to create a net-zero industries future. The Mission is led by Austria and Australia, in collaboration with Canada, China, the European Commission, Finland, Germany, the Republic of Korea, the UK and the USA, and will deliver at least 50 large-scale demonstration projects around the world by 2030.
Read more about Mission Innovation and the Net-Zero Industries Mission here: https://mission-innovation.
INDEPENDENT NEWS IS IMPORTANT.
If you value independent news please donate.
Enjoy reading Eco Voice? Please help us by purchasing a GIFT Voucher or send one to a friend and encourage people to purchase trees or seeds via The Native Shop – www.nativeshop.com.au
Plants, seeds & more delivered to your door!
www.nativeshop.com.au
Advertisement
