Summary
- The US Department of Energy is investing $25 million in 11 projects for next-gen batteries and components
- The projects include advanced processes, machines, platforms, and materials for battery manufacturing
- Awardees include companies and laboratories focusing on sodium-ion batteries, flow battery membranes, nanolayered films, and smart manufacturing
- The investment aims to enhance national security, create jobs, and support the transition to electric transport and sustainable energy
- The Biden administration has a broad approach to battery innovation, with significant investments in battery and critical mineral supply chains
Article
The US Department of Energy (DOE) is investing $25 million in 11 projects focused on next-gen batteries and associated components. The funding is aimed at advancing materials, processes, machines, and equipment for domestic manufacturing of next-generation batteries. The projects include platforms for next-generation battery manufacturing, smart manufacturing platforms for battery production, and development of broadly applicable smart manufacturing platforms to improve battery technologies.
Awardees of the funding include companies and laboratories working on various aspects of next-gen battery manufacturing. Some of the projects focus on advanced processes for low-cost, large-scale sustainable manufacturing of sodium-ion batteries, while others are working on flow battery membranes and nanolayered films. Emphasis is also placed on developing scalable manufacturing processes and equipment for battery production in order to enhance national security and create jobs for American workers.
The announcement of the funding reflects the Biden administration’s commitment to advancing battery innovation and transitioning to electric transport and sustainable energy sources. The $25 million investment is part of a larger effort to boost domestic production of advanced batteries and battery materials. Companies have announced over $140 billion in investments in battery and critical mineral supply chains since President Biden took office, and DOE has allocated over $3 billion for projects to enhance domestic battery production.
While there is no guarantee that the projects funded by DOE will lead to revolutionary breakthroughs in battery technology, they are expected to contribute to incremental progress and drive the transition to cleaner, more sustainable energy sources. The projects aim to build on America’s leadership in battery innovation and create a foundation for future advancements in the field. The DOE emphasizes the importance of these projects for enhancing national security and creating long-term job opportunities in the battery manufacturing sector.
Overall, the investment in next-gen battery projects highlights the importance of advancing battery technologies to meet the growing demand for energy storage solutions. The projects funded by DOE are part of a broader effort to accelerate the cleantech revolution and support independent cleantech coverage. By fostering innovation in battery manufacturing and research, the US government aims to strengthen domestic battery supply chains and reduce dependence on foreign sources of critical minerals and components.
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