Washington, D.C. — Today, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced Century Aluminum is under award for up to $500 million to build the nation’s first-ever “green smelter,” turning the tide on decades of the primary aluminum industry’s decline and pioneering a future of primary aluminum production that’s reliant on clean energy. Century Aluminum's proposed Green Aluminum Smelter Project was selected for investment by the Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations Industrial Demonstrations Program in March of 2024. This step of Century becoming under award kicks off the formal process of working with DOE to implement the proposed project. This groundbreaking project has the potential to breathe life back into an industry that, for decades, has suffered a lack of investment in modernization, skyrocketing electricity costs, and heightened global competition.

In a monumental shift for the U.S. primary aluminum industry, the new green smelter aims to double the nation’s primary aluminum production capacity while slashing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 75% compared to the traditional facilities of today. For an industry long plagued by closures and job losses, the new facility will create thousands of family-sustaining jobs and pave the way for a cleaner, stronger industrial future.

A site for the green smelter has not been finalized, though when the project was announced in March of 2024, Century intended to locate the facility in the Ohio/Mississippi River Basins, with a preference for Kentucky. In a state historically affected by plant closures, including Century Aluminum’s Hawesville facility that idled in 2022, the green smelter is envisioned as a potential driver of economic revitalization and job creation. If located in Kentucky, the facility could position the state as a leader in industrial innovation while supporting American working people in advancing the clean energy transition, particularly in coal communities that once powered the nation. The green smelter offers a transformative opportunity to demonstrate how the industry can evolve equitably and sustainably, moving beyond outdated narratives about fossil fuels.

In response to the award announcement, Industrious Labs and partners released the following statements:

Annie Sartor, Aluminum Campaign Director at Industrious Labs:

“This award to Century Aluminum marks an extraordinary victory for the entire primary aluminum industry in the United States. The green smelter is a critical first step toward securing a domestic supply of low-carbon primary aluminum. Together, we’re driving forward a bold and innovative shift toward industrial decarbonization — a win for climate and jobs.”

Lane Boldman, Executive Director at Kentucky Conservation Committee:

“This project is more than a smelter. If located in Kentucky, it would be an opportunity to position hard-working Kentuckians at the forefront of a dynamic industrial revolution. With the potential to power primary aluminum smelters through renewables, we’re embracing innovative energy solutions that ensure both economic resilience and environmental sustainability. Kentuckians are ready to lead the way and continue their history of supplying the nation's critical energy needs, proving that investing in clean energy can drive progress and create a brighter future for all.”

Jason Walsh, Executive Director at BlueGreen Alliance:

“Century Aluminum’s green smelter is a beacon of hope for workers and families who have felt the devastating impact of job losses in the aluminum industry. This project will not only revitalize communities with good, union jobs, but it will also breathe life into local economies. By combining innovation with economic opportunity, Century Aluminum is proving that we can invest in a cleaner future while providing access to a middle-class life for thousands of hardworking people.”

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