Major mining and gas players are among the Australian industry heavyweights signing up to scheme to work towards net zero emissions in supply chains.

BHP, Woodside, BlueScope Steel, BP Australia, Orica, APA Group, Australian Gas Infrastructure Group and Wesfarmers Chemicals, Energy and Fertilisers – which together represent 14 per cent of Australian industrial emissions – have signed on to the Australian Industry Energy Transitions Initiative.

The initiative aims to set Australian industry up for a success in a decarbonised global economy, by harnessing industry knowledge to develop pathways and actions that can accelerate emissions reductions across whole supply chains – in sectors where abatement has traditionally faced structural challenges. 

Specifically, it will focus on opportunities across five supply chains which collectively contribute more than a quarter of Australia’s annual greenhouse gas emissions and generate exports worth around $160 billion.

These include steel, aluminium, liquified natural gas, other metals (such as lithium, copper and nickel) and chemicals (including explosives and fertiliser).

“It’s now more important than ever that we work together with our customers and peers, to accelerate action and play a role in moving the industry towards a decarbonised future,” Orica chief financial officer Christopher Davis said.

“Supply chains in this sector can be incredibly complex and historically difficult to abate, so it’s crucial we bring together companies occupying different parts of the supply chain to work collaboratively and develop tangible, informed actions to help us move towards this goal.”

The resource sector companies are joined by National Australia Bank, Schneider Electric and AustralianSuper, who represent the broader system of investments, services, products and knowledge that will be key to supporting industry action towards net-zero supply chains. 

Independent, not-for-profit bodies ClimateWorks Australia and Climate-KIC Australia are conveners of the Australian Industry ETI, in collaboration with the Energy Transitions Commission. 

It has been developed with the support of philanthropic donations, company contributions and funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency. It is supported by the Australian Industry Group and the Australian Industry Greenhouse Network, with research partners including CSIRO and the Rocky Mountain Institute.

Other industry leaders are invited to join the project by contacting ClimateWorks Australia or Climate-KIC Australia. Updates will be available online at www.energytransitionsinitiative.org