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Joe Biden's rush-to-green policies are really a rush to blackouts in America. Total reliance on renewable generation without adequate battery storage or dispatchable power generation could leave states without the electricity their citizens require.
We can't put all our eggs into the basket of renewable generation without having significant, always available generation. We should focus on replacing retiring power plants with adequate natural gas generation to meet our growing power needs.
I had the opportunity to speak about America’s leadership in nuclear energy and global security at COP28. Let me be clear, COP28 is a globalist, environmentalist, and leftist club that does not share the values of everyday Americans. My goal was to show how as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy, Climate, and Grid Security we have delivered a more energy-secure America that not only serves citizens with cleaner, reliable, and affordable energy but also supports our allies’ energy needs to cut global dependence on adversaries like China and Russia. America can reclaim our nuclear energy leadership, but to do that we must make sure our supply is secure.
Meanwhile in South Carolina:
AESC expanding Florence County electric vehicle gigafactory
$810 million investment will create 450 new jobs
COLUMBIA, S.C. – AESC, a world-leading electric vehicle battery technology company, today announced the expansion of its state-of-the-art battery cell facility in Florence County. The $810 million investment will create 450 new jobs. Expected to be complete by 2026, this new commitment follows AESC’s initial announcement in December 2022 of $810 million and 1,170 jobs, resulting in a total investment of $1.62 billion and 1,620 new jobs.
As part of a multi-year partnership with BMW, AESC will supply technology-leading battery cells to be used in the next generation electric vehicle models produced at Plant Spartanburg. This advanced battery format will result in 20% more energy density than the current generation, reduce charging time, and increase range and efficiency for electric vehicles by 30%.
The company will expand its existing facility which is under construction — located in the more than 1,000-acre Florence Global Technology and Commerce Park — to bolster production capabilities and help accelerate the U.S.’ shift to electric vehicles.
Individuals interested in joining the AESC team should visit readySC’s recruitment website to explore opportunities. Companies interested in becoming a supplier for the company should complete S.C. Commerce’s online interest form.
At meetings on Dec. 5 and Dec. 12, 2023, the Joint Bond Review Committee and the State Fiscal Accountability Authority authorized the issuance of up to an additional $50 million in state general economic development bonds in support of the expanded project to offset the costs of additional off-site infrastructure and site preparation, subterranean construction support, and an expanded training center.
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development also awarded job development credits related to the project.
QUOTES
“Our partnership with Florence County and the State of South Carolina has exceeded our expectations and we are proud to commit to creating additional high value jobs for this great community for years to come. As we continue to make significant strides towards the development of high-performance, longer-range batteries to propel the EV transition in the U.S., we are excited to have Florence County as a partner on this journey with us.” -AESC US Managing Director Jeff Deaton
"AESC's continued investment in South Carolina is a testament to the business-friendly environment we've fostered, which has helped to solidify our place as the premier destination for electric vehicle companies to call home. I look forward to the transformative impact that AESC's historic investments will have on not only the Pee Dee but all of South Carolina.” -Gov. Henry McMaster
“AESC’s expansion in Florence County — in merely a year — underscores South Carolina’s pro-business environment which helps accelerate our companies’ growth. Congratulations to AESC, and we look forward to the additional, new opportunities this announcement represents.” -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III
“With today’s announcement, the total number of new jobs announced by AESC will exceed 1,600 and result in new capital investment in excess of $1.6 billion in our community. This investment is truly commendable and will significantly contribute to the vitality of our local economy. We look forward to continuing our strong partnership with AESC in the years to come.” -Florence County Council Chair Willard Dorriety
“The expansion of AESC is a testament to our community’s business-friendly environment that supports growth and innovation. I am confident AESC will continue to be an impactful and inclusive member of our community. The 450 new jobs created by this announcement will provide increased opportunities for our citizens and help move Florence forward for generations to come.” -Florence Mayor Teresa Myers Ervin
“We are honored AESC has decided to increase their investment and job growth in the Florence Community. This is a testament to the strong business minds that make our community competitive and vibrant, and it will have an extraordinary impact on our region. Congratulations to AESC and Florence County on this exciting announcement.” -NESA Executive Committee Chairman Yancey McGill
FIVE FAST FACTS
An excellent article about this project by The Post & Courier's Pee Dee branch here.
ALSO:
e-VAC Magnetics to build first US facility in Sumter County
More than half a billion-dollar investment over the course of the project will create 300 new jobs
COLUMBIA, S.C. – e-VAC Magnetics (e-VAC), a leading manufacturer of rare earth permanent magnets in the Western Hemisphere, today announced it is establishing U.S. operations in South Carolina, building its first facility in Sumter County. The project is expected to bring more than half a billion-dollar investment and create 300 new jobs for Sumter County.
e-VAC is part of the VAC Group (VAC), a leading developer of magnetic materials and solutions. e-VAC produces rare earth neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) magnets, which are critical to automotive, defense, industrial and renewable energy applications. This facility and VAC’s decades of experience in rare earth magnet technology and process intellectual property represent a critical step to ensuring a resilient, U.S.-based supply chain.
The company will construct, own and operate a new facility on 85 acres in the Pocotaligo Industrial Park located in Sumter County. The facility will house production of permanent magnets for electric vehicles and defense applications. e-VAC entered into an agreement with the U.S. Department of Defense, which will provide $94.1 million to acquire and install manufacturing equipment, operationalize technical infrastructure, and engineer production lines for the facility. Operations are expected to be online in late autumn 2025.
Through the readySC program, South Carolina’s Technical College System will help e-VAC recruit and train potential employees. A website with hiring information will be available next year.
The S.C. Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to this project. The council also awarded a $13 million Rural Infrastructure Fund grant to Sumter County to assist with the costs of land acquisition, site preparation, road improvements, water and wastewater improvements, and building construction related to this project. Sumter County was also awarded a $2 million LocateSC grant to offset costs associated with infrastructure improvements for the Pocotaligo Industrial Park that are needed for and will benefit e-VAC.
QUOTES
“e-VAC is grateful for the support of the State of South Carolina, Governor Henry McMaster, Senator Lindsey Graham, and Representatives Jim Clyburn and Ralph Norman. We are excited to become a member of the Sumter County community. This project represents a significant commitment by VAC to re-shore critical process and product technology, creating good paying and highly skilled jobs for residents of the community. With this support, we will directly contribute to U.S. energy independence and national security.” -VAC Group Chief Executive Officer Dr. Erik Eschen
"Our concerted efforts to attract electric-vehicle related businesses to South Carolina continue to pay off in a major way, this time with more than half a billion dollars invested and 300 new jobs for Sumter County. This transformative investment by e-VAC will bolster Sumter's economy while strengthening our already thriving electric vehicle supply chain.” -Gov. Henry McMaster
“South Carolina creates an environment of opportunity for e-VAC and Sumter County. The company has access to the tools and resources needed, like the readySC program, to cultivate a highly skilled workforce while creating 300 new jobs in the community. Congratulations, and welcome to our state’s business community.” -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III
“The arrival of e-VAC Magnetics in Sumter County is a testament to our state’s booming economic growth and our commitment to fostering an environment that attracts business and opportunity. With the addition of 300 new jobs in the region, e-VAC will be a welcome partner to the readySC program, our technical schools, and the larger community. South Carolina continues to be a leader in the advancing electric vehicle sector, and I could not be prouder to continue this trend in Sumter County.” -Speaker of the S.C. House of Representatives Murrell Smith Jr.
“On behalf of Sumter County, I welcome e-VAC Magnetics and extend congratulations for their transformative announcement today. We are excited about this new partnership and the effect the half a billion-dollar investment and the 300 high-skilled jobs will have on our economic prosperity. We commit fully and look forward to longstanding success.” -Sumter County Council Chairman James McCain
“Indeed, it is our pleasure to congratulate e-VAC Magnetics on their monumental announcement today and welcome them to the Sumter Community. An investment of this magnitude of more than half a billion dollars and 300 new jobs, will have a lasting impact on our local economy.” -Mayor of Sumter David Merchant
“Congratulations e-VAC Magnetics on your announcement today. We appreciate the confidence you have demonstrated by selecting Sumter, SC. Your business expansion is indicative of your business success, and we enthusiastically commit to walking in conjunction with you to ensure your continued growth in this region – welcome.” -TheLINK Economic Development Alliance Chairman Gordon Eckley
“I am elated to extend a sincere congratulations to e-VAC Magnetics for their impactful announcement today. More than half a billion-dollar investment and the creation of 300 well-compensated technical positions is significant for our community and certainly exemplifies our continued readiness and ability to foster growth in Sumter, South Carolina. We are excited about this new surge of opportunity for our residents and what it will mean for our community.” -Sumter Development Board Chairman Greg A. Thompson
