ARENA grants Calix $29.4M to build zero emissions steel facility with hydrogen

August 13, 2025 |

In Australia, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has committed A$44.9 million to Calix to build a novel demonstration plant using its Zero Emissions Steel Technology (ZESTY). Powered by renewable electricity and hydrogen, the plant will aim to produce up to 30,000 metric tons of low-carbon hydrogen direct reduced iron (HDRI) and hot briquetted iron (HBI) each year in a strong step toward cleaner steelmaking.

ZESTY leverages Calix’s proprietary Flash Calciner technology which aims to reduce the cost of green iron production. The new funding builds on the successful outcomes of ARENA funded engineering studies for the demonstration plant. The funding also supports early-stage engineering studies for a much larger commercial scale ZESTY plant, helping build local capability in low emissions metals—a strategic priority for ARENA and a critical future industry for Australia.

The project will also showcase a flexible green iron process that can ramp production up or down to match renewable energy supply—supporting a smarter, cleaner industrial future.

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Category: Fuels

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