ISER titleholder Dr Daniel Rossetto on Whyalla Steelworks

The financial challenges at the Whyalla steelworks have placed the future of Australia’s steel industry under scrutiny, with the government committing $1.9 billion in support and launching a $1 billion green iron investment fund. 

Dr Daniel Rossetto, ISER titleholder, is a global expert in green finance and low-carbon transition economics, brings a critical perspective to this debate. With over 25 years of experience across environmental markets and sustainability strategies, Dr Rossetto has extensively analysed the intersection of climate policy, corporate finance, and industrial transformation. His expertise in carbon pricing, border carbon mechanisms, and the economics of low-emission technologies provides valuable insight into the viability of Whyalla’s shift toward green steel.

Whyalla’s transition hinges on replacing its coal-fired blast furnace with an electric arc furnace and, eventually, using green hydrogen for steel production. While this aligns with global decarbonisation trends, Dr Rossetto’s work underscores the importance of assessing whether such large-scale public funding will yield economic and environmental returns. Can Australia position itself as a leader in green metals, or does this investment risk inefficiencies in an already volatile commodity market?

To explore Dr. Rossetto’s insights on the future of sustainable steel and the broader implications for Australia’s economy, read the full analysis here on The Conversation.