This story was originally published by Canary Media. When John Holbrook first started working as a pipefitter in the early 1990s, jobs were abundant in northeastern Kentucky. A steel mill, coal “coking” ovens, a coal-fired power plant, and a petroleum refinery provided steady work for the region’s residents. However, over the years, the industrial landscape began to change. The steel mill was demolished in 2022, the coal plant transitioned to natural gas, and mechanization led to job losses in the coalfields.
As a result, many families left the area, while those who remained had to commute long distances for work on new construction projects elsewhere. However, there may be hope on the horizon. Century Aluminum, the nation’s largest producer of primary aluminum, is planning to build a new, state-of-the-art smelter in the United States – the first in 45 years. The potential location for the project is northeastern Kentucky, with funding of up to $500 million from the U.S. Department of Energy to create a more sustainable, low carbon-emitting facility.
If the new smelter is built in eastern Kentucky, it could bring thousands of construction jobs and permanent union jobs to the region. The project represents a significant investment in the area and could help revitalize the domestic aluminum industry, which has been in decline for years. The aluminum sector plays a critical role in global clean energy initiatives, but the industry must reduce emissions and transition to cleaner production methods.
The construction of Century’s new smelter could not only increase primary aluminum supply for clean energy technologies but also drive the development of clean energy capacity in the region. Kentucky, traditionally known for its coal production, is beginning to embrace renewable energy sources like solar and hydroelectric power. Investing in clean energy and grid infrastructure can provide opportunities for skilled workers in the state and create sustainable economic development.
With the potential to modernize industry, leverage local expertise, and reduce emissions, the construction of the new smelter represents a significant opportunity for northeastern Kentucky and the broader region. As the industry shifts towards sustainability, the hope is that projects like this can help drive economic growth while protecting the environment for future generations.
