Dear Colleagues,
This month’s updates highlight both the momentum and the complexity of industrial transformation. Globally, we’re seeing continued advances in green steel and hydrogen, but also signs of strategic adjustment as high costs and infrastructure gaps come into focus.
Here in the U.S., while federal priorities appear to be shifting, Minnesota is sending a strong signal: the foundation for applied research and advanced manufacturing in the Midwest is growing stronger.
We’re excited to share that the Minnesota Legislature has approved continued investment in the University of Minnesota’s Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI). This funding will accelerate NRRI’s work on advanced iron, next-generation steelmaking and other mineral and biomass opportunities—reinforcing Minnesota’s position as a leader in industrial innovation.
Read on for more updates. As always, we’re grateful to be in this work with you.
Warmly,
Jamie Beck Alexander
Director, External Affairs
NRRI
In this month’s update, you’ll find:
- News
- Legislative Updates
- Upcoming Events
News
Regional Updates
- National Laboratory Research in Northeastern Minnesota. Last month, Ecolibrium3, Itasca Economic Development Corporation and MITI partners hosted three national labs as part of an Energy to Communities (E2C) In Depth Partnership. This visit was the initial step in helping frame the research scope for the national labs to support ongoing research and demonstration efforts in Northeastern Minnesota, under the MITI industrial ecosystem enterprise.
- Hydrogen’s Role in Minnesota’s Industrial Future. A recent report by 5 Lakes Energy explores how hydrogen can support Minnesota's transition to a globally competitive industrial sector. The study assesses hydrogen's potential to reduce the impact of existing high-temperature industrial heat needs and support the launch of new, interconnected low-carbon industries, including ammonia, iron, sustainable aviation fuel, and methanol. It also identifies logistical, regulatory, and cost barriers and offers community engagement strategies to help earn the social license needed for industrial hydrogen deployment.
Market Movements & Industry Trends
- U.S. Steel sale signals major investment for Minnesota’s Iron Range. Japan’s Nippon Steel has acquired U.S. Steel with plans for an $800 million investment in Minntac and Keetac facilities between 2025–2028, part of an $11 billion domestic investment initiative. While modernization promises growth, concerns remain over job security and governance provisions affecting the region. Read more
- Direct‑reduced iron (DRI) poised to revolutionize U.S. steelmaking. As coal‑fuelled blast furnaces retreat, U.S. steelmakers are embracing greener DRI technology—using heated gas to strip oxygen from ore for use in electric arc furnaces. Though most current DRI plants rely on natural gas (cutting CO₂ by roughly 50%), new U.S. plants—including Hyundai’s Louisiana facility—will be DRI‑based, with potential to transition to carbon‑free steel via hydrogen or carbon capture. DRI now makes up 9% of global iron capacity but nearly 40% of projects under development.
- Fortescue pivots to green iron. The Australian firm is focusing its metals and energy strategy on green iron production, and plans to retrofit its fleet with ammonia-fueled engines by 2030. Read more
- Cleveland-Cliffs suspends hydrogen-ready plant. The steelmaker halted plans for a hydrogen-electric arc furnace facility in Ohio, citing the lack of infrastructure and uncertain policy signals. Read more
- ArcelorMittal abandons green-steel buildout in Germany. High energy costs and policy uncertainty drove the decision to cancel hydrogen-based conversion plans for two plants. Read more
Policy and Investment Landscape
- RMI: How States Can Lead the Charge on Industrial Decarbonization. “With the right mix of policy, investment, and planning, states can help enable a cleaner, more competitive industrial future while attracting new investment, creating high-quality jobs, and positioning themselves as hubs for clean manufacturing.”
Read more - MIT releases steel decarbonization roadmap. A new study finds emissions reductions of 50–75% are achievable through hybrid approaches.
Summary - United Kingdom commits £500M to hydrogen infrastructure for clean industry and heavy transport.
Read more
Legislative Updates
Last month Governor Walz signed the 2025 Budget into law, which included funding for NRRI’s facilities and research programs, specifically mineral and mineral-related research, including mineral-related environmental research. This infusion will fund NRRI's continued focus on industrial transformation and its direct relation to our broader mission of applied research across all three of our integrated initiatives.
Upcoming Events
July 18 | NRRI Open House (Duluth, MN)
Join us at NRRI to tour facilities and engage our project teams across iron and minerals, ecosystem resilience, and bioeconomy and carbon products research. Event Info