Environment & Climate
Texas startup develops single-step furnace to cut steelmaking emissions
MIT Technology Review reports Hertha Metals uses natural gas to replace coal in steel production.
The short version
- Hertha Metals developed a single-step furnace that turns iron ore into refined liquid steel using natural gas instead of coal.[MIT Technology Review]
- Founder Laureen Meroueh claims the technique lowers production costs by 25% and reduces carbon emissions by at least half.[MIT Technology Review]
- The startup operates a one-ton-per-day pilot facility in Texas, with ambitions to scale annual production to 500,000 metric tons by 2030.[MIT Technology Review]
Key facts
- Conventional steelmaking relies on coal and produces roughly 7% of worldwide carbon emissions.[MIT Technology Review]
- Laureen Meroueh founded Hertha Metals and invented a furnace that turns iron ore into liquid steel in one step using natural gas.[MIT Technology Review]
- Hertha Metals had secured roughly $20 million in financing as of July 2026.[MIT Technology Review]
- Hertha's pilot facility in Conroe, Texas, has a capacity of one metric ton of steel per day.[MIT Technology Review]
What remains uncertain
- Claims that the process reduces emissions by at least half and cuts costs by 25% rely on company assertions and have not been independently audited.[MIT Technology Review]
- Whether the startup can meet its target to scale output to 10,000 metric tons by 2027 and 500,000 metric tons by 2030 remains unproven.[MIT Technology Review]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.
- This founder is making cheaper, cleaner steelMIT Technology Review metered