Shared infrastructure and industrial clusters based around green iron hubs can maximize economies of scale and proximity to generate momentum for the industry. Securing financial close on the first Lighthouse green iron projects by the end of 2027 was highlighted as a powerful way to increase confidence and unlock further investments. Industrial clusters and “net zero industrial precincts” Projects cannot be seen in isolation: infrastructure must be planned holistically. A green iron or steel facility requires upstream renewable energy, hydrogen production, desalination, water purification, transport infrastructure, port access and workforce development. Addressing these needs collectively, with government coordination, can reduce financial and operational risks and make projects feasible for institutional investors. The workshop addressed the role of industrial clusters and hubs in attracting and centralizing the investment and talent needed to develop innovative technologies, successful pilots and skilled workforces. Industrial clusters can also take a systemic approach to integrating different sectors – including energy, industrial infrastructure, trucking and shipping – to activate a more sustainable, interconnected value chain.Regional export clusters such as Whyalla and Pilbara are already co-locating green industrial facilities near ports to reduce costs and emissions. In a recent report, Climateworks Centre highlighted that Gladstone, Queensland and regions like it could benefit from pursuing collective industrial decarbonization within a “net zero industrial precinct” (NZIP) approach, where industrial actors and government agencies coordinate to implement technological, economic and policy solutions that reduce investment costs and risks associated with secure renewable energy and competitive low- carbon production.115 “Working to reduce emissions of a whole NZIP , rather than one company at a time, could set regions up for success,” it said. Potential green iron hubs The Superpower Institute has modelled five potential green iron hubs – one in SA, three in WA and one in Queensland. Selection is based on proximity to renewable energy and iron ore – or to ports which can handle shipping of ore for processing – as well as connections to wholesale electricity markets (see Table 2). The workshop discussed some of these options.4.4 Infrastructure enablers Infrastructure is the gatekeeper to everything else. Workshop participant Unlocking Asia-Pacific as a First Mover: Australia’s Green Iron Opportunity 39

Unlocking Asia-Pacific as a First Mover 2025