Summary
- Three recipients recommended for $43 million in CEC grant funds
- Sepion Technologies plans to build lithium-ion battery separator manufacturing facility
- Sparkz opened Sacramento manufacturing facility for PowerForward project
- South 8 Technologies to expand LiGas electrolyte manufacturing in San Diego
- CALSTART excited for PowerForward program to grow battery supply chain elements and foster innovation
Article
CALSTART, a clean transportation nonprofit based in the US, has recommended three recipients to receive a total of $43 million in first-round California Energy Commission (CEC) grant funds. The recipients are Sparkz, Sepion Technologies, and South 8 Technologies in partnership with Nanotech Energy. These selections were made after evaluating 14 applications that were submitted in April as part of the California PowerForward battery-manufacturing infrastructure grant program.
Sepion Technologies plans to utilize the grant to build a lithium-ion battery separator manufacturing facility in West Sacramento, California. On the other hand, Sparkz has already opened its Sacramento manufacturing facility, which will be the project location for its PowerForward project. Sanjiv Malhotra, the founder and CEO of Sparkz, highlighted the importance of programs like PowerForward in accelerating the scale-up of battery material manufacturing to meet the increasing demand from domestic customers. Additionally, programs such as the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provide tax credit opportunities to domestic battery consumers.
South 8 Technologies will be expanding the manufacturing of its LiGas electrolyte in San Diego and will integrate a LiGas injection system into Nanotech’s battery cell production facility in Chico. This collaboration will allow them to provide LiGas battery cells for zero-emission vehicles and other applications. Phoebe Bisnoff, CALSTART’s Battery Manufacturing Program Manager, expressed excitement about the awards for the PowerForward program, as it will help grow critical elements in the battery supply chain and promote innovation and collaboration throughout the state.
Overall, the $43 million in grant funds will support the development of battery manufacturing infrastructure in California, helping to boost the production of lithium-ion battery components and furthering the state’s leadership in clean transportation technology. This initiative aligns with California’s goal of transitioning to a more sustainable energy sector and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. By investing in battery manufacturing facilities and technologies, these recipients are contributing to the growth of the electric vehicle market and supporting the transition to a more sustainable transportation system. The success of these projects will not only benefit the recipients but also contribute to the overall advancement of clean transportation solutions in California and beyond.
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