The U.S. Department of Energy is investing $6 billion in decarbonization projects, including in a cement plant in Indiana and two Cleveland-Cliffs steel mills.
The federal agency is funding 33 projects in 20 states to decarbonize energy-intensive industries like steel, aluminum, refinery, cement, concrete and chemicals. The goal is to reduce 14 million metric tons of carbon dioxide or about the equivalent of 3 million cars a year.
“These investments will slash emissions from these difficult-to-decarbonize sectors and ensure American businesses and American workers remain at the forefront of the global economy,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm.
The Heidelberg Materials cement plant in Mitchell, in Lawrence County, Indiana procured $500 million for a carbon capture and sequestration project.
“I know Heidelberg, and I know their integrity and their commitment to excellence and ability to produce cement now in a new, sustainable, modern way," Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb said. "This is what Hoosiers are all about. We've long been pioneers, and now we're pioneering the future of cement.”
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Cleveland-Cliffs, a major Calumet Region employer, landed $575 million in funding for projects at Middletown Works in Ohio and Butler Works in Pennsylvania. It says the federal funding will let it reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lower operation and create more union jobs.
It's receiving $500 million to install a hydrogen-ready direct reduced iron plant and two electric melting furnaces at Middletown Works in Ohio. It will continue to be able to make up to 3 million tons of steel a year without using coke to make iron, which would make it the lowest greenhouse gas emitting integrated steel mill in the world.
Middletown Works would be able to use natural gas, clean hydrogen or a mix thereof. The facility could reduce its production costs by $450 million a year or $150 per net tons. The investment is expected to create 170 permanent jobs and 1,200 building trades jobs while securing 2,500 union jobs.
“Completion of our $1 billion clean hydrogen-ready Toledo DR Plant through the depths of COVID stood as strong evidence of Cliffs’ expertise and resolve to drive down emissions," Cleveland-Cliffs Chairman, President and CEO Lourenco Goncalves said. "We are grateful for the support of the Department of Energy and their recognition of Cleveland-Cliffs’ strong leadership in steel decarbonization. Through these selections, DOE recognized and rewarded Cleveland-Cliffs’ track record of successfully executing large capital projects that result in operational efficiencies and lower greenhouse gas emissions.”
Cleveland-Cliffs will invest $1.3 billion of its own capital into the project, which will be completed by 2029.
It will also get $75 million to install four electrified induction slab reheat furnaces at Butler Works in Pennsylvania. The project would add 25,000 tons of production capacity, result in $80 million in cost savings and reducing carbon emissions.
The Cleveland-based steelmaker would invest $100 million in the plant, which makes electrical steel.
A look back at Northwest Indiana businesses that closed in 2023
A look back at Region businesses that closed in 2023
Beer Geeks, one of the Region's first, most beloved and most influential craft beer bars, closed after more than a decade and is being reimagined as a new concept.
The landmark 88-year-old castle-shaped White Castle in Whiting is coming down to be replaced with a newer, larger, more modern White Castle restaurant.
A longtime staple in downtown Crown Point poured its last drink.
The longtime Westforth Sports gun shop is closing.
The Silver Line Building Products plant at 16801 Exchange Ave. will be shuttered permanently.
Brewfest in Highland will close in what's been called "an end of an era."
David's Bridal filed for bankruptcy and could close all stores if no buyer emerges to save it.
The 88-year-old Whiting White Castle will be remembered with displays at museums in two different states.
For years, the "millionaire's club" met every morning in the corner booth of the historic 88-year-old White Castle at Indianapolis Boulevard and 119th Street in downtown Whiting. The landmark restaurant served its final slider Tuesday.
One of Northwest Indiana's most popular and enduring hobby shops is looking for a buyer after the longtime owner died.
J&L This N That Consignment Shop, a popular thrift store, closed in downtown Whiting after a run of several years.
A Calumet Region institution, Calumet Fisheries on the far South Side of Chicago, is temporarily closed after failing a city health inspection.
Just days after reopening after city health inspectors shut it down, Calumet Fisheries suffered a major fire.
Pepe's Mexican Restaurant is no mas in Valparaiso.
Beer Geeks in Highland rebranded as B-Side Bar & Lounge and then closed within a few months.
Troubled retailer Bed Bath and Beyond will permanently close its Valparaiso location as it shutters more stores nationwide as it looks to restructure and shrink its footprint to save the struggling business.
Peoples Bank has shuttered its branch in downtown Hammond.
Viking Artisan Ales will soon pour its last craft beer at its Merrillville taproom.
Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom is closing after 15 years at one of Northwest Indiana's most prominent highway interchanges.
The Chicago Auto Show, the nation's largest auto show, returns to McCormick Place Saturday, running through Feb. 19.