Dear Colleagues,
The past few months have seen significant progress on the Midwest Industrial Transformation Initiative (MITI) — in the Minnesota State Legislature, in print and radio, and in the halls of Congress. And the stakes are high. As NRRI’s executive director, Rolf Weberg, recently emphasized in a Star Tribune article, “If we don’t invest now, the future of advanced iron could be dominated by Brazil and Eastern Canada.”
Our work continues to ensure that responsible, advanced iron production happens here in the United States, promoting global competitiveness, secure supply chains, reduced carbon emissions, national security, and economic prosperity.
Read on for additional updates. And, as always, feel free to reach out for more information or to arrange a private briefing tailored to your organization or community.
Best,
Jamie Alexander
In this month’s update, you’ll find:
- Introducing NRRI's MITI Advisory Panel
- News
- Legislative Updates
- Upcoming Events
Introducing NRRI's MITI Advisory Panel
NRRI is pleased to announce our inaugural MITI Advisory Panel, a group of leaders from across community segments and interest areas to help guide the initiative. The Panel includes individuals from industry, Tribes, environmental interests, community-based organizations, workforce development, and state and local government. This unique blend of perspectives was thoughtfully curated to bring a variety of perspectives to the table. The Advisory Panel will convene in May to delve into plans for a hydrogen-based iron plant and discuss potential outcomes and opportunities. Panel members will share these conversations with their communities to invite a two-way flow of information and dialogue. Please meet our Advisors!
News
- A recently-released paper from five national labs spotlights Minnesota as having the critical attributes for hydrogen-based steel and ammonia production that could potentially be cost-competitive with traditional steelmaking processes by 2035. This paper is the foundation for MITI and we are thrilled to see it out in the world.
- A recent column in the Minnesota Star Tribune weaves together how small communities and large industries alike are benefiting from market-driven and innovative steel production technologies. MITI was proudly highlighted: “The scope of the study, the first of its kind backed by the Midwest Industrial Transformation Initiative, is stunning. It’s not only exploring green steel but all the ways that corresponding industries might sync new technology. Cement production, hydrogen production and storage, renewable energy, fertilizer and e-fuels could connect in a matrix of interconnected projects.”
- The Iron Range was featured in a recent New York Times article, highlighting the critical role of the Iron Range in the U.S iron and steel industry. “The sedimentary rock known as taconite, found in abundance in northern Minnesota, yields most of the United States’ iron ore, which in turn is made into steel used by the American auto industry.”
- On that note, the Hyundai Motor Group unveiled plans for a $6 billion steel plant in Louisiana to provide the metal needed for its auto factories in Alabama and Georgia. The announcement is part of a broader $21 billion investment into U.S. manufacturing facilities, including EV factories. The Hyundai Steel plant proposes to use an electric arc furnace. If powered with electricity produced by renewable energy resources, it will produce steel while mitigating CO2 emissions.
- Google recently announced that it has joined the Sustainable Steel Buyers Platform (SSBP), a coalition of corporations organized by US-based energy and sustainability non-profit organization RMI. SSBP members include major tech firms Meta, Microsoft, and Amazon. The SSBP aims to connect companies seeking low-emission steel with steelmakers, aggregating demand and facilitating the development of a domestic, sustainable steel industry.
- Fortescue, the Australian energy, metals and transportation giant, recently announced plans to retrofit owned ships with green ammonia engines by 2030 and convert its existing fleet within five years. Fortescue's new ship orders will also use ammonia-based engines when they are commercially available.
Legislative Updates
The following bills have been introduced in the Minnesota State Legislature to support responsible industrial innovation in the state:
- HF 2934 / SF 2926 would fund a NRRI-led study to evaluate Minnesota's potential for geologic hydrogen
- SF 2734 / HF2520 supports the University of Minnesota Board of Regents Minnesota Green Iron initiative Higher Ed Committee request on behalf of NRRI
- SF 2881 provides funding for the Minnesota Green Iron Initiative (see above) via mining royalty income allocation modifications
For more information on these bills or ways to provide support, please contact Jamie Alexander, [email protected]
Upcoming Events
- The Clean Energy Buyers Association (CEBA) will host their Spring Summit May 6-8 in Minneapolis. The Summit brings together large energy buyers and sustainability professionals dedicated to advancing a carbon-free energy future. Register here.
- The third annual Tribal Energy Evolution Summit will be held May 5-8 in Minneapolis. The Summit is a national gathering for Tribal leaders and cross-sector allies committed to advancing clean energy self-determination in Indian Country. Register here
- And stay tuned for more information on a MITI and Geological Hydrogen Summit in Duluth in late Summer/early Fall, 2025!