Heavy industries in Australia’s regions could cut emissions by 80% and create a jobs bonanza, report says

BlueScope Steel's Port Kembla steelworks. Bringing down emissions from iron, steel, aluminium, chemicals and LNG is seen as one of the most challenging parts of reaching net zero. Photograph: Dean Lewins/AAP

The regional powerhouses of Australia’s industrial economy could slash their greenhouse gas emissions by more than 80% and become centres for multibillion-dollar investments in renewable energy, according to a report backed by some of the country’s biggest companies.

Bringing down emissions from producing iron, steel, aluminium, chemicals and liquefied natural gas is seen as one of the most challenging parts of Australia’s efforts to reach net zero.