Business to invest $500 million in Ravenswood, W.Va.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) – A business is investing $500 million to develop a first-of-its-kind renewable energy microgrid-powered industrial site in West Virginia, says Gov. Jim Justice.

Tuesday during a press conference, Gov. Justice announced Berkshire Hathaway Energy is purchasing more than 2,000 acres of land in Ravenswood, West Virginia.

According to the West Virginia Democratic Party, the facility will be located on the property of the former Century Aluminum plant.

The first business to locate to the site will be Precision Castparts Corp. (PCC). The company will develop a state-of-the-art titanium melt facility that will use 100% renewable energy to manufacture titanium aerospace products.

Officials say it will bring hundreds of jobs to the community.

On Monday, in a special session, West Virginia lawmakers passed an economic bill for a major manufacturer they said could eventually bring about 1,000 jobs.

Alicia R. Knapp, CEO of BHE Renewables, said the company is also donating $500,000 to the United Way Alliance of the Mid-Ohio Valley for economic development projects in Jackson County and the surrounding area.

“This project demonstrates how investing in clean energy can revive economies that have served our country’s energy needs for decades,” Knapp said.

“This is a monumental announcement that will pay dividends for generations to come,” Gov. Justice said. “The partnership we are forging with BHE Renewables and PCC is testament to West Virginia’s ability to compete on the world stage and recruit world-class companies like these to our state. I couldn’t be more proud of the fact that West Virginia will help lead the way into a new era of renewable energy microgrid-powered manufacturing. I can never thank BHE Renewables and PCC enough for their commitment to West Virginia and for the jobs and economic ripple effects this partnership will bring.”

“We are thrilled to partner with PCC and West Virginia to deliver this landmark renewable energy solution, hundreds of jobs and significant economic development,” PCC Metals President Steve Wright said. “Our future facility is an outstanding opportunity to use clean energy as we invest in further strengthening our position as a world leader in titanium metals. Manufacturing our products with 100% renewable energy benefits PCC and our customers as we strive to minimize the impact of our operations and wisely use natural resources.”

“Today’s announcement that Berkshire Hathaway Energy Renewables and West Virginia have reached an agreement to invest in Ravenswood is welcome news. This unprecedented project has the potential to rapidly transform the Ravenswood area, and spark the economic development our communities need to grow and thrive. My staff and I have been involved in this process from the very beginning because we recognize the importance of smart economic and environmental growth to our state. I am thankful for the work of Governor Justice, Mike Graney, Mitch Carmichael, and especially Senator Glenn Jefferies and the West Virginia Legislature for helping make this possible. There is strong momentum growing behind business in West Virginia right now, and we must continue to build off of this economic success into the future,” Senator Capito said.

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