News Summary
Cleveland is struggling to meet its emission reduction targets due to pollution from the Cleveland-Cliffs steel plant, which is the city’s largest source of greenhouse gas emissions. The plant emits approximately 4.2 million metric tons of greenhouse gases annually, impacting public health and the city’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Experts advocate for cleaner technologies and practices to reduce emissions and enhance competitiveness in the steel industry.
Cleveland is facing significant challenges in its pursuit of emission reduction goals due to the pollution produced by Cleveland-Cliffs’ Cleveland Works steel plant. Currently operating two blast furnaces that utilize coal to refine iron ore into steel, the plant stands as the largest single source of pollution in the city, emitting approximately 4.2 million metric tons of greenhouse gases annually. This level of emissions is hindering the city’s objective of achieving net-zero emissions by the year 2050.
The city’s Climate Action Plan aims for a 63.3 percent reduction in emissions from 2018 levels by the year 2030. In 2018, Cleveland emitted 11.7 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent, with a target to decrease that number to 4.3 million metric tons. The pollution from Cleveland Works is estimated to contribute to significant public health issues, resulting in 39 premature deaths, over 1,700 lost workdays, and more than 9,000 asthma cases each year. Cleveland ranks as the fifth-worst city in the U.S. for asthma prevalence, underscoring the urgent need for pollution reduction.
Presently, Cleveland-Cliffs’ Blast Furnace #6 is nearing the end of its useful life, which presents a critical opportunity for upgrades that could significantly lower emissions. Experts suggest that replacing the current coal infrastructure with technology that utilizes natural gas or hydrogen could lead to emission reductions of more than 30 percent. Additionally, the implementation of green hydrogen could further decrease emissions.
However, relining the existing furnace may only yield minor emissions reductions and could inadvertently lead to higher overall emissions due to increased production levels. Cleveland-Cliffs has yet to make any public announcement regarding plans for Blast Furnace #6 and did not respond to inquiries on the matter.
In light of recent developments, Cleveland-Cliffs has been recognized as a 2023 Goal Achiever by the Department of Energy’s Better Climate Challenge for its progress in reducing nationwide emissions. The company’s push for lower emissions was supported by federal legislation, although funding commitments for clean energy projects were canceled during the Trump administration. Furthermore, the company’s CEO withdrew from a federally funded green steel project in June, citing inadequate hydrogen supply.
Industry experts advocate for a transition to electric arc furnaces, which can be powered by carbon-free energy. This shift, including processes for direct reduction of iron, has the potential to reduce Cleveland Works’ emissions by up to 96 percent. However, challenges remain, particularly with the costs associated with low-carbon steel production, which is approximately 40 percent more expensive than traditional methods.
The Mayor’s Office of Cleveland emphasizes the need for the plant to adopt cleaner practices to align with the city’s emissions targets. Cuyahoga County also aims for net-zero emissions by 2050, but achieving such significant structural changes within the industry will take decades. Recent increases in investment for electricity generation utilizing waste heat have amplified efforts to reduce reliance on fossil fuel-based power from the grid.
The regional economy heavily relies on Cleveland-Cliffs as a key supplier of high-quality steel, particularly for the automotive industry, including electric vehicles. Advocacy groups insist that transitioning Cleveland Works to cleaner operations could not only benefit the environment but also help the company maintain its competitive edge.
A report from Industrious Labs highlights that, with necessary changes, Cleveland has the potential to emerge as a leader in clean steel production. The urgency of addressing Cleveland Works’ emissions is underscored by the city’s goals and the health implications of ongoing pollution, as local authorities and industry stakeholders grapple with the path forward for a cleaner and more sustainable future.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Ohio Capital Journal: Coal Burning Steel Plant Challenges Cleveland’s Climate Goals
- Canary Media: Cliffs Cleveland Works and Climate Goals
- Star Tribune: Minnesota Taconite Plants and Mercury Pollution
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Steel Production
- Google Search: Emission Reduction Goals Cleveland
Author: STAFF HERE CLEVELAND WRITER
CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the seasoned team at HERECleveland.com, your premier source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and beyond, delivering "news you can use" with in-depth coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news impacting the region—backed by years of expert reporting and robust community input, including local press releases and business updates, while providing top reporting on high-profile events like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions, Cleveland International Film Festival, and holiday parades, alongside key organizations such as the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Orchestra, and Great Lakes Science Center, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare like Sherwin-Williams and University Hospitals, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREDayton.com, offering comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's vibrant landscape. HERE Cleveland HERE Dayton
