News Summary
Cleveland Works, operated by Cleveland-Cliffs, is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Cleveland, emitting 4.2 million metric tons annually. This poses a significant challenge to the city’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. The report highlights the urgent need for the facility to undergo modernization and adopt cleaner steelmaking processes, as current reliance on coal-based blast furnaces is detrimental to both environmental and public health. Despite initiatives to reduce emissions, Cleveland-Cliffs faces barriers to implementing sustainable practices amidst changing federal policies.
Cleveland – The Cleveland Works steel plant, operated by Cleveland-Cliffs, is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the city, contributing to approximately 4.2 million metric tons of emissions annually. This level of pollution represents a significant challenge to Cleveland’s ambition of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The city aims to reduce its emissions by 63.3% from 2018 levels by 2030, translating to a target of about 4.3 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MMtCO2e) per year. However, the Cleveland Works facility is on track to exceed this limit on its own by 2023.
The reliance of Cleveland Works on two blast furnaces that utilize coal to refine iron ore into steel is a prominent factor in these high emissions. A recent report by Industrious Labs indicates that without transitioning to cleaner steelmaking processes, the city cannot reach its climate goals. Immediate action is deemed crucial for the Cleveland Works facility to align with the city’s objectives.
While Cleveland-Cliffs has made strides in emission reductions and received recognition as a 2023 Goal Achiever in the Department of Energy’s Better Climate Challenge, the company has faced difficulties in implementing new projects. Although initially planning to advance emission cuts through initiatives supported by the Inflation Reduction Act, Cleveland-Cliffs altered its approach following changes in federal policy under the Trump administration. In June 2025, the cancellation of a federally funded project intended to convert the Middletown Works to produce green steel was announced, primarily due to an inadequate supply of hydrogen.
The health implications of the emissions from Cleveland Works are severe. It is estimated that the pollution contributes to 39 early deaths, 1,700 lost workdays, and approximately 9,000 cases of asthma annually. Presently, Cleveland ranks as the fifth-worst city in the U.S. for asthma-related health issues. These statistics emphasize the urgent need for action to mitigate the plant’s environmental impact.
Blast Furnace #6 at Cleveland Works, which is nearing the end of its operational life, presents an opportunity for modernization. Upgrading to natural gas or hydrogen could reduce emissions by over 30% with natural gas and potentially more with green hydrogen. In 2022, the plant opted to relined Blast Furnace #5; however, experts have cautioned that this may only result in marginal reductions in emissions.
The proposed roadmap from Industrious Labs suggests that investments in electric arc furnaces and hydrogen-based direct reduction could lead to significant emissions reductions of 47% and ultimately a 96% decrease in greenhouse gas emissions. Cuyahoga County, where Cleveland is located, is also aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050 and is currently finalizing its climate action plan.
Despite advancements in energy efficiency, the reality remains that producing low-carbon steel costs around 40% more than traditional methods. Cleveland Works has taken steps to improve its overall environmental footprint by utilizing waste heat to generate electricity, increasing its combined-heat-and-power capacity by about 50 megawatts.
As demand for clean steel rises, particularly from sectors like electric vehicles, there is mounting pressure on Cleveland-Cliffs to modernize its operations. The company faces stiff competition from other manufacturers like Hyundai, which are heavily investing in low-carbon steel production facilities.
However, challenges remain. Jenita McGowan, Cuyahoga County’s deputy chief of sustainability and climate, has highlighted uncertainties regarding the feasibility of the proposed decarbonization pathways. General uncertainties in federal policy and the higher expenses associated with low-carbon steel production continue to pose significant barriers to achieving cleaner steel outputs.
The juxtaposition of economic opportunities and environmental responsibilities presents a critical crossroad for Cleveland as it seeks to balance the benefits of a major employer like Cleveland-Cliffs with its climate objectives.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Cleveland’s Steel Plant Emissions Hinder Climate Goals
Cleveland-Cliffs Faces Emissions Scrutiny Amid Climate Goals
Cleveland’s Steel Plant Challenges City’s Climate Goals
Cleveland Aims for Net-Zero Emissions by 2050
Additional Resources
- Ohio Capital Journal
- Wikipedia: Cleveland
- Canary Media
- Google Search: green steel
- Spectrum News
- Google Scholar: steel emissions
- Cleveland.com
- Encyclopedia Britannica: greenhouse gas emissions
- Northwest Indiana Times
- Google News: Cleveland Cliffs
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
