The Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI) at the University of Minnesota Duluth has received a $1.3 million grant from the Department of Energy to conduct a feasibility study on establishing a one-gigawatt hydrogen-based iron plant in northern Minnesota, potentially located on the Iron Range. The project, aimed at providing a low-carbon source of iron for the steel industry, could significantly reduce carbon emissions by replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy and electrolytic hydrogen in industrial processes. Rolf Weberg, the institute's executive director, expressed optimism about federal support for the initiative, emphasizing its alignment with priorities like job creation, competitiveness, and national security. This effort is part of the Midwest Industrial Transformation Initiative involving various organizations, including the NRRI and U.S. Steel. The study intends to revolutionize multiple industries in Minnesota, such as iron and steel, cement, ammonia, and liquid fuels, by integrating green technologies and transitioning to sustainable practices. It will also explore the plant's specifications, energy requirements, environmental impacts, and possibilities for tribal and community-based power generation. With an estimated total cost of $5 million and support from state funding and donations, the project is expected to be completed within a year. This endeavor signifies a significant step towards green innovation in the iron manufacturing sector and the broader industrial landscape in Minnesota.