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Century Aluminum will invest in a $4 billion smelter project in Oklahoma instead of Kentucky, where it initially planned to build the first new U.S. aluminum smelter in nearly 50 years. The decision follows over two years of negotiations and a $500 million federal grant aimed at supporting low-carbon projects.

Kentucky's failure to provide affordable, reliable energy and its slow renewable energy development were cited as key barriers. The existing Hawesville smelter will be sold and redeveloped into a data center, leaving Century with only its Sebree smelter in Kentucky. The move highlights ongoing challenges in the state's industrial sector and energy policies.