Næxon

1. Mesabi Proposes $15 Billion Iowa Steel Mill

09/29/2026 — Mesabi Metallics announced plans September 28 for a $15 billion steel mill in Iowa. The proposed facility would use iron ore from the company’s Nashwauk, Minnesota, operation, with first-phase production capacity projected at 7.5 million tons annually.

The White House said the first phase could generate up to 6,000 construction jobs and approximately 1,750 permanent positions. Planned capacity could eventually reach 10 million tons annually. The announcement outlined a proposed development rather than a completed construction or EPC award.

2. Enbridge Continues Cleanup Following Line 5 Release

Enbridge’s September 28 update said environmental remediation continued at the Wisconsin site of an August natural gas liquids release. Crews were testing and removing excavation soils, while a truck involved in the incident had been removed in coordination with investigators.

The release occurred after an unoccupied subcontractor truck rolled into an excavation and struck the pipeline. Enbridge reported no injuries and said the cause remained under investigation. Line 5 was operating through a temporary bypass while remediation continued.

3. Mississippi Pipeline Project Completes Federal Permitting

The Kosciusko Junction Pipeline Project completed federal permitting September 23. Sponsored by Boardwalk subsidiaries Gulf South Pipeline and Texas Gas Transmission, the Mississippi development includes approximately 111 miles of new 36-inch pipeline and six compressors at new and existing stations.

The project is designed to provide approximately 1.175 million dekatherms per day of firm transportation capacity. Its proposed connections would move natural gas supplies toward southeastern markets. The announcement marked completion of federal permitting, with construction and service milestones separate from that approval.

4. Refiners Shift Some Turnaround Work Into 2027

Industrial Info reported September 17 that some U.S. refiners had moved planned maintenance from fall 2026 into fall 2027. Its comparison of February and September schedules identified changes affecting 10 crude units at seven refineries.

The revised schedules reduced planned fall 2026 crude-unit outage capacity by approximately 144,000 barrels per day and increased fall 2027 planned outage capacity by about 283,000 barrels per day. The report linked the deferrals to refiners pursuing higher throughput and favorable margins.

5. Phillips 66 Uses AI to Predict Refinery Outages

Phillips 66 is using artificial intelligence to anticipate equipment and system outages, according to September 25 reporting. The company described the technology as part of its effort to improve refinery reliability and increase crude processing.

The initiative also targets lower maintenance costs by identifying developing problems before they disrupt operations. The update focused on predictive tools and operating performance, without announcing a specific refinery shutdown or a new turnaround schedule.

6. Private Capital Expands Its Role in LNG and Pipelines

Alternative investment firms are increasing their involvement in U.S. LNG and pipeline development, according to September 29 reporting. Apollo, Blackstone and KKR are among the firms directing capital into energy infrastructure, including through insurance-backed investment strategies.

Reported 2026 transactions involving alternative investors totaled approximately $20.35 billion, more than double the comparable 2024 amount. Minority investments allow infrastructure owners to raise substantial funding while retaining control of projects and operating businesses.

7. Data Centers Drive Demand for Smaller Gas Turbines

Data-center developers are turning to smaller gas turbines and reciprocating engines as they seek electricity supplies, according to September 29 reporting. Orders include Crusoe’s purchase of 29 GE Vernova aeroderivative units and 750 megawatts of Bergen engine capacity.

Enverus forecasts 29.6 gigawatts of additional behind-the-meter gas generation by 2030, with data centers accounting for 88% of that demand. The increase is putting pressure on equipment availability as manufacturers expand production.

8. Energy Department Targets Nearly $2 Billion for Grid Upgrades

The Department of Energy announced September 24 plans to support 31 grid-improvement projects across 26 states with nearly $2 billion in federal funding. The program focuses on increasing the capability and reliability of existing transmission infrastructure.

Planned work includes advanced grid technologies across roughly 21,000 miles of transmission lines. Officials estimate the improvements could unlock more than 23 gigawatts of additional capacity. Funding recipients are expected to contribute approximately $3.35 billion alongside the federal investment.

9. Samsung Commits $1 Billion to Helix Infrastructure

Samsung announced September 29 that six group companies would invest a combined $1 billion in Helix Digital Infrastructure. Samsung Electronics will contribute $500 million, with five other affiliates providing the remaining investment.

The commitment supports Helix’s development of infrastructure for artificial intelligence, including data centers, power systems and connectivity. Samsung joins investors including KKR, the Kuwait Investment Authority, NVIDIA and Vistra in backing the platform’s expansion.

10. New Era Secures Long-Term Power Agreement for Texas Campus

New Era Energy & Digital announced September 21 that its TCDC PowerCo subsidiary secured a 20-year power purchase agreement with Vistra subsidiary Luminant ET Services. The agreement covers at least 200 megawatts, with capacity of up to 207 megawatts.

Electricity will come from the adjacent 1,180-megawatt Odessa natural gas power plant to support the first phase of the Texas Critical Data Centers development. The announcement also described a framework for potential future expansion.

11. Aligned Breaks Ground on Pennsylvania Data-Center Campus

Aligned Data Centers has broken ground on Project Phoenix in Shippingport, Pennsylvania, according to September 17 reporting. The proposed 2-gigawatt campus will include three facilities at the Shippingport Industrial Park in Beaver County.

The development sits beside a former coal-fired power site being redeveloped into a natural gas energy campus. Aligned said its data-center campus would use a dedicated on-site power source, linking the project to the industrial property’s broader redevelopment.

12. Kiewit Details New York Transmission Project Delivery

Kiewit highlighted its completed work on the Champlain Hudson Power Express in a September 23 project feature. The company’s scope included installing approximately 147 miles of underground transmission infrastructure and building the Astoria Converter Station.

The overall 339-mile transmission system brings hydropower from Québec to New York City. Designed to deliver 1,250 megawatts, the project provides enough electricity for more than one million homes and involved more than three years of Kiewit construction work.