Iowa

Green steel

Mesabi Metallics to build a $15B lower-carbon steel mill in Iowa

The Minnesota mining firm will forgo traditional coal-based steelmaking at the facility — a step toward cleaning up production to compete on a global market.

By Brian Martucci .

29 September 2026

Three men in suits standing, all smiling, next to Trump sitting at a desk, with lots of flags behind them — On Sept. 28, President Donald Trump announced that Mesabi Metallics will build a $15 billion steel plant in Iowa. Also pictured, from left to right, are Rewant Ruia, Mesabi’s chair; Ravi Ruia, Mesabi board member and director of Essar Capital; and Energy Secretary Chris Wright. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

Nuclear

Shuttered nuclear plant in Iowa gets $1.9B federal loan to restart

NextEra Energy is one of three U.S. energy companies to win backing from the Department of Energy to revive shut-down nuclear plants to meet soaring power demand.

By Maria Gallucci . 8 September 2026
Wind

How Iowa has turned against wind

Facing staunch local opposition and federal roadblocks, a new wind project in Iowa is teetering on the brink, despite growing power demand.

By Dan Gearino, Anika Jane Beamer . 3 February 2026
Hydrogen

Can locally made green ammonia replace fertilizer from fossil fuels?

Startup Talusag says modular plants that make ammonia from green hydrogen could cut carbon and costs from fertilizer supply chains, in America’s heartland and beyond.

By Jeff St. John . 28 May 2025
ENN

Iowa company recycles rare earth materials from wind turbines, electronics

Iowa-based Critical Materials Recycling was selected by the U.S. Department of Energy as one of six companies to receive a $500,000 cash prize and $100,000 in assistance from national laboratories.

By Cami Koons . 25 October 2024
ENN

The Midwest’s grid operator is planning a massive new transmission buildout. Will it be enough?

The “Tranche 2” portfolio focuses on adding 765 kilovolt transmission “highways” across the region, while some stakeholders question whether it’s enough.

By Frank Jossi . 6 March 2024
ENN

Despite national goals, agricultural greenhouse gas emissions continue unchecked

While nationwide emissions from energy and other sectors have fallen in recent decades, those from agriculture — especially livestock and corn — have grown.

By Erin Jordan . 16 February 2023
ENN

Biogas expansion may compound worker risks

Government incentives are driving larger, more crowded concentrated animal feeding operations while protections lag for the workers inside.

By Kari Lydersen . 16 November 2022
ENN

Wisconsin regulators should look to Iowa for third-party solar model, advocates say

A pair of cases before Wisconsin regulators seek to clarify the state’s position on third-party-owned solar installations, in which the entity that owns the array is different from the property owner that will use the electricity.

By Kari Lydersen . 1 November 2022
ENN

More Midwest banks see opportunity to finance solar, energy efficiency projects

A digital subsidiary of an Iowa community bank is among the latest to start competing with national lenders to finance solar installations. Advocates hope the trend creates more options, trust and comfort for borrowers.

By Frank Jossi . 11 August 2022
ENN

Iowa carbon pipeline opponents see lessons from Dakota Access fight

A coalition similar to the one that took a stand against the Dakota Access Pipeline is emerging in Iowa to fight a proposed interstate carbon dioxide pipeline, and opponents say they’re better prepared this time.

By Dan Haugen . 6 May 2022