Renewable energy is opening important new doors for steel, Day 1 of the Australian Steel Institute (ASI) annual convention heard. 

In a keynote address, ASI chief executive Mark Cain said a two-pronged public policy approach was needed in Australia to meet a forecast tripling in global demand for steel by 2050 as the world transitions to clean energy and net zero emissions. 

Cain called on state and federal governments to set local content targets for steel and provide industry development support to ensure Australia didn't miss out on the economic benefits. Other speakers looked at Australian manufacturing's place in the renewable energy sector and the global outlook for steel.