Lower carbon emissions foot the bill as BHP Billiton and Peking University sign $7.3million deal

BHP Billiton has entered a partnership with Peking University to fully realise the potential of carbon capture, use and storage (CCUS) for steel production in China.

In a three-year partnership, BHP and Peking University will be investing US$7.3million to develop low carbon emission technology across multiple sectors, particularly the iron and steel industries.

BHP Billiton Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Mackenzie, said the program is part of the Company’s support for the development of low emissions technology across multiple sectors.

“The application of carbon capture, use and storage may prove to be important to reducing the volume of greenhouse gas emitted by the steel sector in China and elsewhere. However, investment in the technology is behind where it needs to be,” he said.

“As a major metallurgical coal and iron ore supplier, BHP Billiton has a role in working with our customers, industry and research institutions in China. The work to be undertaken through this agreement is a necessary first step to get the fundamentals right and accelerate CCUS development and deployment.”

President of Peking University, Professor Lin Jianhua, spoke highly of the partnership as PKU’s latest example in seeking solutions to challenges faced by the country and the world.

“We recognise the importance of international collaboration in addressing the global challenge of climate change. This new project will push forward the collaborative work on many fronts, help support China’s carbon reduction, as well as promote friendship and cooperation between China and Australia,” he said.

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