An aluminum company is considering northeastern Kentucky as the site for a new aluminum smelter that could bring about 1,000 permanent jobs to an area that has been impacted by the decline of coal and steel production. Century Aluminum Co. has plans to build a smelter with significantly lower emissions, with $500 million in support from the U.S. Department of Energy. Governor Andy Beshear sees this potential investment as a positive step for the region and hopes that state incentives will help secure the deal, with the support of state lawmakers.
While the company’s president and CEO, Jesse Gary, was not present at the announcement, he highlighted northeastern Kentucky as the preferred location for the new smelter. Century Aluminum already has a presence in Kentucky with two smelters in western Kentucky. The company views this as a continuation of their relationship with the state and looks forward to contributing to the economic growth in eastern Kentucky. Century Aluminum is the largest producer of primary aluminum in the U.S. and has operations in other countries as well.
The region in northeastern Kentucky has faced economic challenges in recent years due to the closure of a steel mill and the decline in coal jobs. Previous attempts to build an aluminum plant in the area did not materialize due to financing issues. Governor Beshear, who took office in 2019, is determined to see this project through to benefit the region and continue the state’s economic development. The potential for a new aluminum smelter offers hope for revitalization in an area that has struggled in the past decade.
The project is expected to create jobs both in construction and in the permanent operation of the smelter. It is projected to double the size of the current U.S. primary aluminum industry while reducing emissions significantly. The Department of Energy has stated that the new plant would be the cleanest and most efficient aluminum smelter globally. This development aligns with the shift towards sustainable energy sources and will support various industries such as electric vehicles, national defense, and green energy applications.
Governor Beshear emphasized the importance of the $500 million federal grant for the project, expressing gratitude to President Joe Biden and Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm for their support. Despite remaining decisions to be made, the funding provided by the DOE’s Industrial Demonstrations Program is a significant boost for the project. Beshear sees this federal support as a strong starting point for the endeavor. The potential creation of 1,000 permanent jobs and the positive economic impact on the region make this a promising opportunity for northeastern Kentucky and the state as a whole.
In addition to the aluminum smelter project, Governor Beshear recently announced plans for a pumped storage hydropower facility in southeastern Kentucky, also supported by a federal grant. This project is expected to create construction jobs and operational positions, as well as provide a sustainable source of energy for thousands of homes. The combined efforts to develop these projects showcase a commitment to economic growth, job creation, and environmental sustainability in regions that have faced challenges in the past.
