The Latest from Brian Martucci

• 

  Green steel

  Could a new iron ore mine turn Minnesota into a green steel powerhouse?

  Mesabi Metallics is opening a mine and processing plant on the Iron Range, spurring job opportunities and a chance to join the global transition to low-carbon steel.

  By Brian Martucci  .  23 July 2026

• 

  Wind

  Minnesota now has a wind-powered green ammonia plant

  A yearslong project has finally started producing ammonia with wind power. If the process can be scaled up, it could help ensure farmers have cheap, reliable fertilizer.

  By Brian Martucci  .  12 June 2026

• 

  Long-duration energy storage

  A new thermal battery could help this Minnesota campus electrify heat

  Cache Energy’s pilot project harnesses excess wind power from UMN Morris’ two turbines to heat a carpentry shop and could be expanded across campus.

  By Brian Martucci  .  22 April 2026

• 

  Energy storage

  Xcel doubles down on plan to swap coal for clean power in Minnesota

  With demand rising and tax credits expiring, the utility wants to rapidly expand the batteries and solar it’s building near the shuttering Sherco coal plant.

  By Brian Martucci  .  7 November 2025

• 

  Solar

  Minnesota bill could 'all but stop' rural small-scale solar installs

  The legislation, which has enthusiastic support from rural electric cooperatives, would slash bill credits for future solar customers in much of the state.

  By Brian Martucci  .  25 April 2025