US DOE injects $3 bn across 25 projects to strengthen advanced battery capability

The US Department of Energy (DOE) has announced an investment of over $3 billion for 25 projects across 14 states to boost the country's production of advanced batteries and battery materials, following through from a previous round in which it awarded $1.82 billion to 14 projects.

The projects selected in the second round of funding will "retrofit, expand, and build new domestic facilities for battery-grade processed critical minerals, battery components, battery manufacturing, and recycling", the DOE said in a release.

Nearly 90 percent of selectees are either located in or adjacent to disadvantaged communities, in line with a US government plan for 40 percent of clean energy investments to flow to disadvantaged communities.

The DOE and selected applicants will now undergo a negotiation process, with the DOE completing an environmental review, before deciding on the grant amount.

In its release, the DOE noted that batteries were critical to strengthening the US grid and supporting the electrification of the transportation sector, and pointed out that the US electric vehicle supply chain had attracted $120 billion in private investment over the last four years.

US Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm said: "By positioning the US 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."

John Podesta, Senior Advisor for International Climate Policy, commented: "Today's battery manufacturing grants from DOE will boost America's manufacturing base, create good-paying union jobs all over the country, and help tackle the climate crisis."