Lincoln County Commissioner Robert King joined SVI to discuss all the upcoming energy product projects in Western Wyoming ranging from the nuclear plant and coal to products.

He says he has spoken with representatives from Bechtel and TerraPower and they nearly finished with the drilling and testing. He also says next spring is when they will start the facility.

“That will bring in quite a few workers with that,” King said. “Not nearly as many as when full construction starts, but we look forward to that portion of it.”

He also says coal to products Tri-Site Company has broken ground on building a new facility and looks to have that finished hopefully this year. He says the first thing they will do is the humate soil condition fertilizer which simulates root growth. He says this helps stimulate the product.

“With what’s happening with fertilizer costs right now we really believe that’s going to be a big boon,” King said. “For their industry as well the consumer.”

He says there will be other products, but this will be the first one from Tri-Site. He hopes this will also help farmers.

“Bringing it home type thing,” King said. “Help us out here in Wyoming with some of the costs for our local ranchers and farmers.”

He also says there are other interested companies in coal to products coming to south Lincoln County.

“Tri-Site is looking at about a $500 million investment when they get fully established,” King said.

He says another business is looking at a $3.3 billion investment. He says there will be businesses looking at producing ammonia.

“Ammonia’s one of those things that’s a little easier to transport than hydrogen is,” King said. “And can be used for fuel to fuel power plants and those kinds of things.”

He does say this is only the beginning products these companies are looking to develop. There could be others as well. He says this also brings with it employment opportunities. The nuclear plant will create 200-250 full-time employees.

“Tri-Site, by the time they build out, they told us they’re looking at 400, maybe as many as 500,” King said.

He says there could be another 400 or 500 with other companies. So, this could help create over 1,000 jobs directly. He says this also helps surrounding businesses as well.

“You’re going to have a lot of spin-off businesses for each one of these industries,” King said.

He says it could be anywhere from things like pipe fittings to welding. He says there could be electrical work that is needed too and so there will be many opportunities for south Lincoln County. A lot is happening because according to King people want “Kemmerer Coal” and its quality.