Cleveland-Cliffs’ direct reduction facility in Toledo, Ohio is pictured. The company uses the facility to make hot-briquetted-iron. (Photo courtesy of the U.S. Department of Energy)

By Journal Staff

MARQUETTE — Cleveland-Cliffs announced Thursday that the U.S. Department of Energy will feature the company in its Better Climate Challenge Road Show video series.

According to a press release from the company, the Better Climate Challenge Road Show showcases real-world pathways for public and private organizations to decarbonize their buildings and plants.

In the DOE Road Show episode, viewers will learn how the company has committed to emissions reduction goals across its portfolio. Viewers will also learn how Cleveland-Cliffs is leveraging its direct reduction facility in Toledo, Ohio, and utilizing other technologies to decarbonize its steelmaking operations.

According to the press release, the Cleveland-Cliffs’ Toledo facility is considered “the most modern and efficient direct reduction plant in the world.” The facility is a hydrogen-ready plant which produces hot-briquetted iron, an environmentally friendly alternative to scrap and imported pig iron used in the steelmaking process.

Cleveland-Cliffs Chairman, President and CEO Lourenco Goncalves said in the press release that the company is honored to be featured and appreciates the agency’s recognition of leadership.

“We are making it happen today as the only steel company participating in the Better Climate Challenge program,” Goncalves said. “HBI consumption in our ironmaking furnaces is a proven real path forward to further reduce our carbon footprint while producing high quality steel for a more sustainable future.”

In October, the DOE recognized Cleveland-Cliffs as a Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction 2023 Goal Achiever through its Better Buildings Initiative and Better Climate Challenge.

The company’s commitment covers 46 of its operating facilities.