Novocastrian awarded Hydrogen Research Fellowship to tackle low-emissions steelmaking
Dr. Sara Paymooni's research at the University of Newcastle, supported by the CSIRO International Hydrogen Research Collaboration Program, investigates hydrogen-based methods to decarbonise steelmaking, with potential applications for Australian resources and industrial processes.
Dr. Sara Paymooni from the University of Newcastle has been awarded a fellowship through the CSIRO International Hydrogen Research Collaboration Program to explore the use of hydrogen in low-emission steel making technologies. Her research focuses on innovative methods that could help decarbonise one of the hardest-to-abate industries, paving the way for greener iron and steel production.
Dr. Paymooni’s fellowship reflects the increasing momentum in hydrogen research and its potential to drive the decarbonisation of key industrial sectors. Her work could provide valuable insights into sustainable steelmaking while enhancing Australia’s contributions to the global hydrogen economy.
A Research Associate at the University of Newcastle, Dr. Paymooni brings extensive experience in renewable energy technologies, low-emission solutions, and materials science. Her academic background includes the development of perovskite membranes for oxygen separation and their integration into advanced chemical looping processes.
Now, Dr. Paymooni is examining the direct reduction of mid-grade iron ore fines using hydrogen, followed by an electric smelting process to remove impurities. This dual-process approach offers a lower-emission alternative to traditional blast furnace methods and could also have applications in other sectors, such as cement production.
The fellowship is part of the Hydrogen Industry Mission's International Collaboration Program, supported by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. The initiative aims to strengthen research partnerships between Australia and other countries working on hydrogen technologies, enabling shared progress towards carbon neutrality by 2050.
The University of Newcastle has a long-standing partnership with the BHP Centre for Sustainable Steelmaking Research (SSR). Over the past 15 years, the Centre has investigated links between the properties of Australian iron ore and metallurgical coal and their performance in ironmaking processes. Recently, its focus has shifted to the development of near-zero emission technologies for iron and steel production.
Dr. Paymooni’s fellowship aligns with these efforts, contributing to the Centre’s ongoing work in optimising the use of Australian resources in low-carbon steelmaking processes. The Centre is researching modified blast furnace technologies, alternative methods for steel production, and ways to enhance existing processes like sintering, cokemaking, and direct reduced iron production.
Through the Australian Hydrogen Research Network (AHRN), also led by CSIRO, Dr. Paymooni and other researchers can access domestic and international collaboration opportunities. AHRN’s mission is to foster knowledge-sharing and advocacy in support of the growing hydrogen industry, which is a cornerstone of Australia’s transition to net zero.
