- The U.S. Department of Energy has announced funding worth over $3 billion, marked for 25 projects across the U.S., that will help strengthen its domestic battery supply chain.
- These projects will generate over 12,000 jobs, both in the operations and construction sector.
- Batteries made as a result of these projects will go towards both battery energy storage systems, and EVs.
U.S. takes steps to secure its domestic battery supply chain
The funding has come from the DOE’s Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains, which will generate a total of $16 billion in investment through two separate programs: The Battery Materials Processing Program, and the Battery Manufacturing and Recycling Program, with this new $3 billion worth of funding coming from the two program’s current rounds of funding.
The projects, of which all can be viewed here, range from critical material production to battery recycling. Not only will this investment help create a more circular and sustainable battery supply, but will also help the country in its hopes to strengthen its own energy security. The recent 100% import tariff imposed by the U.S. on Chinese-built EVs, also means that the U.S. will need to continue building on its battery industry, through investment such as this, if it is to maintain adequate supply for electric vehicles made in the USA.
U.S. Secretary of Energy, Jennifer M. Granholm, commented:
“We’re in the midst of a manufacturing revival in the United States as the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda continues to breathe new life into communities and local economies across the country,
By positioning the U.S. at the forefront of advanced battery manufacturing, we are creating high-paying jobs and strengthening our global economic leadership and domestic energy security, all while supporting the clean energy transition.”
White House National Climate Advisor, Ali Zaidi, added:
Today’s game-changing announcement is helping support the technologies that we need in the market today, the components that we will need in the near future, and the innovative technologies we need to advance our vision for a circular domestic battery supply chain that positions the United States to continue leading the global effort on clean energy.
