US aluminum producers need cheap, clean power. That may be tough to get.

AI generated summary

Plans are underway to construct the first new aluminum smelters in the U.S. in nearly 50 years, with proposed facilities in Oklahoma and potentially Kentucky. These smelters, by Emirates Global Aluminium and Century Aluminum, aim to significantly increase domestic aluminum production. However, securing a reliable and affordable electricity supply is critical, as the demand for power is rising due to competition from AI data centers and other industries, leading to strained resources and higher prices.

To make these smelters economically viable, they require access to cheap, carbon-free electricity, ideally sourced from renewables like wind or solar. Unfortunately, the current landscape shows that both clean and affordable power are becoming increasingly scarce, exacerbated by aging infrastructure and political challenges. Experts emphasize the need for substantial long-term investments in the electricity sector to support the revival of the U.S. aluminum industry, which has seen a drastic reduction in operational smelters over the decades.