The US’ first primary aluminium smelter project in 45 years has received $10 million in government funding.
The Green Aluminum Smelter project, led by Century Aluminum Company, secured the funding from the US Department of Energy’s Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED) this week to begin Phase 1 activities.
The location of the Green Aluminum Smelter project will be determined during Phase 1.
Upon completion, the smelter would double the size of the current US primary aluminium industry while avoiding an estimated 75% of emissions from a traditional smelter due to its energy-efficient design.
The high-purity aluminium produced from the facility is suitable for national defence, electric vehicles, semiconductors, building and construction, and clean energy applications.
During Phase 1, Century Aluminum will determine and announce the site, complete initial engineering studies for various aspects of the project, provide documentation and reports necessary to complete the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review, and engage community and labour stakeholders.
The project is expected to create 1000 jobs as well as 5000 construction jobs.