Calix and Perdaman partner for green iron
Calix has selected Perdaman Group as its hydrogen development partner for the Zesty Green Iron Demonstration Project in Western Australia, backed by over
Calix and Perdaman Group have signed a heads of agreement to develop a hydrogen supply solution for the Zesty Green Iron Demonstration Project in Kwinana, Western Australia. The agreement grants Perdaman a 12-month exclusivity period to work on engineering and design for the hydrogen infrastructure, moving the project toward a final investment decision.
Perdaman will conduct an engineering study to define the requirements and costs for supplying hydrogen to the demonstration facility. Both companies plan to collaborate with stakeholders during this period to advance planning. Longer-term supply arrangements for ongoing operations remain subject to future negotiation.
Hydrogen's Role in Green Iron
Hydrogen is a key input for the Zesty project, which aims to demonstrate the production of hydrogen direct reduced iron (H-DRI). The process uses electric heating and hydrogen as a reductant from iron ore. Establishing a reliable and cost-effective hydrogen supply is viewed as essential for the project to reach its next internal milestone.
Calix managing director and CEO Phil Hodgson stated that developing a viable hydrogen supply is a critical step towards enabling the project to reach a final investment decision. "Establishing Perdaman as our hydrogen partner is therefore an important milestone, adding engineering capability and hydrogen-sector expertise to the project," Hodgson said, according to the source. He added that the partnership provides a clear pathway toward demonstrating a low-emissions iron production solution.
Project Scale and Funding
The Zesty Green Iron Demonstration Project is designed to build and operate a plant with an annual production capacity of up to 30,000 tonnes of H-DRI. The project is currently in the detailed design engineering phase.
It is backed by significant funding, as detailed in the table below.
| Funding Source | Contribution |
|---|---|
| Australian Renewable Energy Agency | $32.3m (A$44.9m) grant |
| Joint development partner Rio Tinto | More than A$35m |
The project's aim is to provide a facility capable of converting various iron ores to H-DRI, serving both Australian and international producers to advance low-emissions steel-making.
Perdaman founding chairman and managing director Vikas Rambal said his company's vision aligns with the Zesty project. "We will bring our hydrogen expertise and delivery capability together to help make Zesty a global success," Rambal stated.
