Des Moines, IA – September 13, 2022 – BHE Renewables, a Berkshire Hathaway Energy business, is excited to announce it is purchasing more than 2,000 acres of land in Ravenswood, West Virginia, to be developed as a first-of-its-kind renewable energy microgrid-powered industrial site. Precision Castparts Corp. (“PCC”), a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. business, will be the first company to locate on the site and will develop a state-of-the-art titanium melt facility that will use 100% renewable energy to manufacture titanium products for the aerospace and other industries. The land is currently owned by the West Virginia Economic Development Authority. BHE Renewables will work with the West Virginia Economic Development Authority to bring additional businesses to the site to benefit from the prime manufacturing location and renewable energy infrastructure.
“This project demonstrates how investing in clean energy can revive economies that have served our country’s energy needs for decades,” said BHE Renewables President and CEO Alicia Knapp. “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 added, “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.”
The Ravenswood project will serve as the foundation for additional pivotal investments in West Virginia. “This is a monumental announcement that will pay dividends for generations to come,” West Virginia Governor Jim 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.”
State Sen. Glenn Jeffries, who championed the project, said, “Two world-class companies selected West Virginia because we created the best environment for them to do business. That includes being home to a world-class workforce. Something this big doesn’t happen without the ingenuity and work ethic of West Virginians.” West Virginia Secretary of Economic Development Mitch Carmichael agreed, “Our state’s growth-focused economic policies are second to none. West Virginia is investing in smart new ways for businesses to build success around clean energy that’s here to stay.”
