Summary
– CALSTART has launched the PowerForward grant program for EV battery manufacturing infrastructure in California
– The program is funded by the California Energy Commission with up to $35 million in grants
– Focus of PowerForward includes environmental impact, community engagement, and workforce development
– Private for-profit businesses in California can apply for grants until July 1, 2024
– Projects in two categories, cathodes and batteries, are eligible for awards of up to 50% of total costs
Article
Clean transportation nonprofit consortium CALSTART has launched PowerForward, a grant program in California focused on EV battery manufacturing infrastructure. The program is funded by the California Energy Commission with up to $35 million in grants and is being implemented in partnership with New Energy Nexus, Lawrence Berkeley Lab, and Yunev. PowerForward aims to promote environmental impact, community engagement, and workforce development by attracting and retaining the manufacture of batteries for EVs in California, benefiting local communities and priority populations, and creating a California battery supply-chain ecosystem.
The grant solicitation for PowerForward is open to private, for-profit businesses with projects in California until July 1, 2024. Priority will be given to projects that hire in disadvantaged and low-income communities. Projects must fall into one of two categories: cathodes (cathode active materials) or batteries (material processing, cell components, cell manufacturing, module, packs, battery management system, remanufacturing, and recycling). Eligible projects can receive awards of up to 50% of total costs, with a minimum award of $5 million and a maximum of $17.5 million in each category.
The goal of PowerForward is to support the growth of EV battery manufacturing infrastructure in California, contributing to the state’s efforts to reduce emissions, promote sustainable transportation, and create local economic opportunities. By investing in battery manufacturing projects aligned with environmental and social goals, the program aims to build a resilient and inclusive battery supply chain ecosystem that benefits communities across the state, particularly those that are underserved or disadvantaged. Through partnerships with industry stakeholders and research institutions, PowerForward seeks to drive innovation and collaboration in the EV sector.
Over the next few years, PowerForward will provide funding and support to companies looking to establish or expand their presence in the EV battery manufacturing sector in California. By targeting projects that prioritize environmental sustainability, community engagement, and workforce development, the program aims to create a more robust and equitable EV ecosystem in the state. With a focus on advancing technologies, promoting clean energy, and fostering economic growth, PowerForward represents a significant investment in the future of transportation in California and beyond.
CALSTART’s PowerForward initiative highlights the importance of public-private partnerships in advancing clean transportation solutions, such as EV battery manufacturing infrastructure. By leveraging the expertise and resources of industry leaders, research institutions, and government agencies, PowerForward aims to accelerate the transition to electric mobility while addressing pressing environmental and social challenges. Through targeted grants and incentives, the program seeks to drive innovation, job creation, and sustainable economic development in California, positioning the state as a leader in the global shift towards clean energy and transportation.
The implementation of PowerForward underscores the crucial role that clean transportation initiatives play in achieving climate and sustainability goals. By supporting the growth of EV battery manufacturing infrastructure, the program contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving air quality, and creating opportunities for communities to thrive in a sustainable economy. Through strategic investments and partnerships, PowerForward is poised to make a significant impact on the EV industry in California, driving progress towards a cleaner, greener, and more inclusive future for transportation.
Read the full article here
