Asia's Carbon Capture Hubs: BHP-Led Consortium Launches Pre-Feasibility Study for Decarbonisation

A multinational consortium, including BHP, ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India, and Chevron, has launched a pre-feasibility study to evaluate the development of Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) hubs in Asia. The study aims to examine technical and commercial pathways for utilising CCUS in hard-to-abate industries and potential applications for captured CO2. Each consortium member is expected to be involved in at least one proposed CCUS hub, with the study concluding at the end of 2026.

A multinational consortium, including BHP, ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India, and Chevron, has launched a pre-feasibility study to evaluate the development of Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) hubs in Asia. The study aims to examine technical and commercial pathways for utilising CCUS in hard-to-abate industries and potential applications for captured CO2. Each consortium member is expected to be involved in at least one proposed CCUS hub, with the study concluding at the end of 2026.

The initiative, led by BHP, includes ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India, JSW Steel, Hyundai Steel Company, Chevron, and Mitsui & Co. Ltd. The study will focus on the potential to develop large-scale projects which can repurpose or store captured carbon dioxide (CO2). It will also explore the critical non-technical enablers necessary to bring these hubs to life, including evaluating regulatory frameworks and assessing the feasibility of cross-border CO2 transport and storage.

Ben Ellis, BHP's vice president of marketing sustainability, stated, "By leveraging shared knowledge and resources with our partners, we are investing in support for innovative solutions, like the potential of CCUS, that we see as an essential part of decarbonising hard-to-abate sectors such as steelmaking" [2].

The steel industry, responsible for roughly 8% of global carbon dioxide emissions, is a significant focus of this study. China aims to replace 15% of its output with electric arc furnaces by the end of this year, indicating a shift towards cleaner technologies. However, the steel industry remains one of the hardest to decarbonize due to its heavy dependence on coal.

The study is expected to outline conceptual development strategies for each site, including preliminary cost estimates, projected timelines, and potential pathways to commercial viability. The findings will be shared publicly to promote broader industry learning and support the development of enabling policy and regulatory frameworks.

The consortium has appointed Hatch as Project Management Officer in collaboration with Global CCS Institute, McDaniel, and Pace CCS. The study is open to additional members joining and contributing to the research.

References:
[1] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-08-10/bhp-leads-steelmaker-venture-in-asian-carbon-capture-storage
[2] https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/climate-energy/bhp-leads-global-steelmakers-group-study-asian-carbon-capture-hubs-2025-08-11/
[3] https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/bhp-led-consortium-launch-ccus-hub-study-accelerate-decarbonisation-asia