Inola, Oklahoma — Century Aluminum and Emirates Global Aluminum (EGA) announced today that they will join efforts to build a groundbreaking new smelter in Oklahoma, marking a pivotal moment for the U.S. primary aluminum industry. With support from the U.S. Department of Energy, which had previously awarded Century Aluminum $500 million for the project, this smelter represents a long-overdue investment in domestic aluminum production after decades of plant closures, rising electricity costs, and heightened global competition. The new facility will help revitalize an industry that has faced significant challenges, creating jobs, supporting manufacturing, and positioning the U.S. as a stronger competitor in the global market.

But the announcement also underscores how difficult it remains to secure industrial-scale power: Century first announced this project two years ago without a power deal, and is now partnering with EGA which also announced a similar project in 2025 — still without a confirmed power agreement. As our recent report on projected aluminum demand shows, the U.S. will need far more aluminum capacity to meet growing demand. While this is a major step forward for aluminum and for Oklahoma, revitalizing the aluminum industry with a new smelter hinges on access to affordable and abundant electricity.

“Two smelters would have been ideal,” said Annie Sartor, Senior Campaigns Director at Industrious Labs. “One is better than none, but neither can succeed without affordable, clean power. Historic trends show that clean, sustainable production is an important pathway for long-term viability of the aluminum industry.”

The new smelter is expected to double the nation’s primary aluminum production capacity and create thousands of jobs. For a sector that has long struggled with instability and job losses, this project offers a chance to rebuild with renewed industrial strength. However, this added capacity still falls short of how much aluminum our country actually needs today: the U.S. currently produces 840,000 metric tons annually. EGA & Century Aluminum’s new facility is projected to add 750,000 metric tons, which combined is still significantly under our projected demand of 6.4 Mt by 2035.

Oklahoma, already experiencing rapid growth in advanced manufacturing and energy innovation, is well-positioned to host this transformative facility. Our statewide survey found that a majority of respondents support building the new smelter, reflecting optimism about the potential for job creation and local economic growth. At the same time, residents expressed clear expectations that the project be managed responsibly to protect the state’s environment and natural resources. Concerns about electricity costs and taxpayer impacts also surfaced, underscoring the importance of ensuring that the benefits of this investment are widely shared without placing additional burdens on families and businesses.

As Oklahoma takes this step forward, it has the opportunity to demonstrate how modern industrial investments can fuel economic growth while strengthening domestic manufacturing. This milestone sets the stage for a more resilient and competitive aluminum industry that supports critical American industries, from transportation to energy transmission. A cleaner, more competitive aluminum sector is possible, but it requires leadership that prioritizes energy choices designed for the future, not the past.

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For additional information or interviews, please contact Marwa Abdelghani at 818-669-3987 or marwa@industriouslabs.org.