The funding is derived from Australia’s Powering the Regions Fund and its Critical Inputs to Clean Energy Industries program. The program supports hard-to-abate sectors and maintains domestic manufacturing capability of industries that produce inputs essential to the development of Australia’s clean energy industries.

The project entails the reline of the facility’s No. 6 blast furnace and upgrades to environmental and other systems at the plant.

“BlueScope greatly appreciates the CICEI grant, which supports the No.6 blast furnace reline, and helps secure ongoing iron and steelmaking and job security in the Illawarra,” said Tania Archibald, BlueScope’s chief executive Australian steel products.

“The Port Kembla Steelworks is the sole domestic manufacturer of flat steel products in Australia, producing high-quality steel products that underpin Australia’s sovereign capability in key sectors including building and construction, energy, infrastructure, and defense. The steelworks provides the critical inputs needed for Australia to achieve its renewable energy targets, such as; steel plate for wind towers, hot rolled products for solar structures  and electricity transmission and distribution infrastructure. Australian steel is an indispensable ingredient in building Australia’s low emissions future.”