US Energy: What They Are Saying: State, Local And Climate Leaders Grateful And Excited About Biden-Harris Administration Funding To Invigorate U.S. Battery Manufacturing

The Biden-Harris Administration, through the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), yesterday announced the first set of projects funded by the President’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to expand domestic manufacturing of batteries for electric vehicles (EVs) and the electrical grid and for materials and components currently imported from other countries. The 20 companies will receive a combined $2.8 billion to build and expand commercial-scale facilities in 12 states to extract and process lithium, graphite and other battery materials, manufacture components, and demonstrate new approaches, including manufacturing components from recycled materials.

Here’s what they are saying about the federal investments that will boost American production of clean energy technology, create good-paying jobs, and support President Biden’s goals for electric vehicles to make up half of all new vehicle sales by 2030 and to transition to a net-zero emissions economy by 2050:

Selected Companies

6K

“We are at a tipping point where investments in transformational technologies like our UniMelt microwave plasma will set us apart from China to help drive America’s energy independence,” said Dr. Aaron Bent, CEO for 6K. “As the popularity of electric vehicles escalates and clean energy technologies like wind, hydro and solar are deployed, the urgency for domestic battery material production to support cell manufacturing and battery storage will become vital. Battery material processing on US soil will support our critical infrastructure and de-risk supply chain availability while strengthening our national security and US competitiveness.”

Albemarle

“Albemarle is proud to partner with the federal government to bring manufacturing jobs to the southeastern United States, strengthening the domestic supply chain for the growing electric vehicle market,” said CEO Kent Masters. “Receiving the DOE grant affirms Albemarle’s position as a global market leader and one of the only lithium companies currently producing battery-grade lithium from U.S. resources. Expanding our U.S. footprint also increases the speed of lithium processing and reduces greenhouse gas emissions from long-distance transportation of raw minerals. We hope this project spurs additional investment by others in the domestic EV battery supply chain, such as cathode manufacturers, battery makers, and auto manufacturers.”

American Battery Technology Company

“We are very honored and excited to have been selected as an awardee of this program enabled by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This funding directly supports the much-needed acceleration and ramp up of secure domestic manufacturing and refining capacity of Nevada-based battery metals, and we greatly appreciate the confidence the administration has placed in us by making this investment towards our sustainable future,” says American Battery Technology Company CEO Ryan Melsert. 

Amprius

“Being among the first companies to receive a cost sharing grant from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law reflects the significant work Amprius is doing to advance the lithium-ion battery industry here in the U.S.,” said Dr. Kang Sun, Chief Executive Officer.“Our innovative technology was conceived at Stanford, designed and commercialized in the U.S., and now we are working to scale production capabilities to meet significant domestic demand and to accelerate the electrification of mobility with our ultra-high density silicon nanowire anode lithium-ion batteries.”

Anovion

“We are thrilled to have been recognized as a nominee for the Infrastructure Grant opportunity. This grant consideration will enable Anovion to expedite its ongoing investments in expansion to advance the company’s mission of growing a resilient, secure and sustainable North American lithium-ion battery supply chain,” said Eric Stopka, Chief Executive Officer of Anovion. 

Ascend Elements

“These awards are transformational for the U.S. lithium-ion battery industry,” said Mike O’Kronley, CEO of Ascend Elements. “The Apex facility, with the Department of Energy’s support, will be the first and largest battery material production facility of its kind in the U.S., improving security of supply of critical materials for the domestic electric vehicle industry as well as the United States’ competitiveness in the lithium-ion battery industry on a global scale. The importance of closed loop lithium-ion battery supply chain cannot be understated. This grant accelerates achievement of that closed-loop supply chain.”

Cirba Solutions

“The funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will help strengthen the United States domestic lithium-ion battery supply chain for the EV market and create a sustainable supply of the critical minerals used to make batteries,” said David Klanecky, President and CEO of Cirba Solutions. “The time and cost to mine and process new materials is significant, and the need for these battery materials is becoming increasingly urgent. Battery recycling is a viable solution to help meet the rising demand for EV batteries.”

ENTEK

“We are appreciative of President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law supporting the domestic growth of ENTEK’s lithium battery separator production,” stated Kimberly Medford, President ENTEK Manufacturing. “This support for our domestic supply chain and investment in our U.S. manufacturing infrastructure ensures that we are prepared to supply critical U.S. produced components to U.S. lithium battery manufactures. Together, we are all dedicated to the rapid and sustainable growth of the U.S. electric vehicle market and supporting grid.”

Group14

“Achieving President Biden’s ambitious decarbonization goals all comes down to resilient battery supply chains anchored on U.S. soil to ensure our energy independence,” said Rick Luebbe, CEO and co-founder of Group14. “With our growing footprint in the Pacific Northwest, we’re answering the call for ‘all-American’ batteries and remain steadfastly committed to building out a fully end-to-end domestic battery supply chain to help the U.S. stay ahead in the electrification race.”

ICL-IP

“LFP is a critical solution for the U.S. energy-storage, mobility and infrastructure market,” said Phil Brown, president of Phosphate Specialties and managing director of North America for ICL. “The $197 million investment from the Department of Energy is crucial to building a domestic manufacturer, which can compete globally while providing a much-needed safety net for American manufacturers in the EV, battery and energy-storage industries.”

Koura

“This award marks an incredible milestone for our company and the U.S. renewable industry,” said Sameer Bharadwaj, CEO of Orbia. “Today, we are steering into the clean future and coming through on our purpose to advance life. With raw material assets, expertise in fluorinated chemistries and our sustainable innovation agenda, this grant will support us in achieving lithium-ion battery security, efficiency and performance.”

“A recognition of this caliber from the U.S. Department of Energy propels us forward to tackle the present challenge of the domestic supply chain for lithium-ion batteries,” said Gregg Smith, President of Orbia Fluorinated Solutions (Koura). “The future is powered by lithium-ion batteries. We are uniquely positioned to innovate with our ‘mine-to-market’ capability to meet modern needs for resilience and energy independence.”

Lilac

“We are honored that Lilac has been selected for this award by the DOE,” said Dave Snydacker, Lilac’s CEO. “We strongly believe our unique technology will play a critical role in strengthening the domestic lithium-ion battery supply chain. The development of Lilac’s U.S. operations, which range from materials manufacturing to lithium production, will be turbocharged by this significant award.”

Microvast

“It is an honor to be recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy and participate in this important effort to strengthen and accelerate domestic battery supply chain and manufacturing initiatives in the U.S. This grant funding will enable Microvast to accelerate its plans to onshore critical battery component manufacturing processes, including mass production of our thermally stable polyaramid separator technology,” said Dr. Wenjuan Mattis, Chief Technology Officer at Microvast.

Piedmont Lithium

Piedmont President and CEO Keith Phillips said the Company is honored that the Tennessee Lithium project has been selected for this DOE funding. “The U.S. government is putting investment dollars behind its policies to support energy independence and national security, and we are grateful to be selected to help spur critical, domestic development of the EV battery supply chain,” said Phillips. “Over 80% of lithium hydroxide production today occurs in China. This grant will accelerate the development of the Tennessee Lithium project as a world-class lithium hydroxide operation, which is expected to more than double the domestic production of battery-grade lithium hydroxide in the United States.”

Sila Nanotechnologies

“The U.S. federal government’s support of clean energy research and development is second to none. Funding from the DOE was instrumental in the early days of Sila and supported our product development. We’ve been able to make good on that investment with our breakthrough chemistry. Now the DOE is taking another big step by supporting our move into automotive scale manufacturing,” said Gene Berdichevksy, Sila Co-Founder and CEO. “Offering federal resources to advance domestic production of proven technologies will help the U.S. assert ourselves as leaders in the global EV market. With our Moses Lake facility, we’re committed to delivering revolutionary battery material that is better, lowers cost, and accelerates our electric future. And the DOE’s grant and support proves its long-term commitment to the same.”

Talon

“Between the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the United States has enacted significant measures in the last year that prioritize and accelerate the development of the domestic battery supply chain from mining through to recycling,” commented Henri van Rooyen, CEO of Talon. “… Today’s announcement is a clear recognition that production of domestic nickel and other battery minerals is a national priority.”



Congressional Leaders

U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (KY)

“The bipartisan infrastructure bill I supported last year makes important investments in Kentucky’s transportation networks, broadband, and manufacturing capacity to help prepare our economy for the challenges of the 21st century. Today’s grant adds an additional $480 million to the billions Kentucky is already slated to receive from the bill and will help the Commonwealth secure its place as a manufacturing powerhouse. The national security benefits from this project – which will allow us to source important battery components domestically instead of from rival countries like China – only add to the significance of this grant for our country.”

U.S. Senator Patty Murray (WA)

“Every day, I’m working to lower energy costs and emissions—and that’s exactly why I helped pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and bring landmark investments to Washington state so we can continue to lead the country as we build a more sustainable, affordable, and energy independent future. These critical grants for two of Washington state’s very own battery manufacturing facilities won’t just mean more good-paying jobs for workers in Moses Lake—it will also mean lower energy and electric vehicle costs for families across the country as we restore our supply chains and strengthen our clean energy infrastructure. I’m going to continue building on this historic progress to cut carbon emissions, create good-paying jobs, build climate-resilient infrastructure in our communities, and bring down costs for Washington state families.”

U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (WA)

“The historic investments Congress made over the past two years are helping solve the next generation battery storage technology challenges right here in Washington. These two cutting-edge companies will not only use domestically sourced materials to make electric vehicles more affordable, they will be creating hundreds of high paying jobs that will help transform Moses Lake into an epicenter of clean energy manufacturing.”

U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (OH)

“Investing in American production and Ohio workers is part of the work we are doing to put in place a new pro-American, pro-worker industrial policy. The future of technology development in this country will be in Ohio and part of that future includes knowing how to reuse the materials we already have to make the vehicles of the future. Ohio is taking another step in leading the country and the world in producing sustainable cars and electric technology that Americans will need and drive over the next century.”

U.S. Senator Rob Portman (OH)

“This announcement is another example of how the bipartisan infrastructure law continues to pay dividends for Ohio. This funding will help bolster domestic battery component manufacturing, materials processing, and recycling to support the growing EV market and energy storage demand. Thanks to the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and this new funding, Ohio will continue to be a leader in reshoring America’s battery production and manufacturing.”

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy (LA)

“More good news for Louisiana coming from the Bipartisan Infrastructure. This will make batteries produced in the United States more competitive worldwide, along the way employing lots of folks here in Louisiana. It’s good for our state, good for our nation.”

U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (NV)

“Nevada’s clean-energy economy is booming, and I made sure the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law included funding to create even more good-paying jobs in this industry. Nevada is leading the way in domestic battery manufacturing and recycling, and we’re perfectly positioned to turn these investments into lasting economic growth, and expand our global competitiveness.”

U.S. Senator Jackey Rosen (NV)

“I’m proud to join Senator Cortez Masto in applauding this investment from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law coming to Nevada to expand domestic manufacturing of batteries for electric vehicles and the electrical grid. Congrats American Battery Technology Company and Lilac Solutions!”

U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (GA)

“Georgia is open for business, and today’s announcement is good news for both Georgia’s growing clean energy economy and Augusta workers. I was proud to fight for and help secure the $178 million needed for this new facility, and I’ll continue to work closely with businesses looking to start or expand in Georgia to secure critical investments that will help create local, good-paying jobs.”

U.S. Senator Edward J. Markey (MA), U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (MA), U.S. Representative Jim McGovern (MA-02) and U.S. Representative Seth Moulton (MA-06)

“Massachusetts ingenuity and innovation has and continues to inspire the next generation of climate solutions. We applaud today’s announcement from the Department of Energy awarding two Massachusetts businesses, 6K Inc. and Ascend Elements, with historic federal support as they work to supercharge our nation’s clean energy future, meet the growing demand for electric vehicles, and support good-paying jobs – not only for Massachusetts workers in North Andover and Westborough, but all across the nation.”

U.S. Representative Suzan DelBene (WA-1)

“Washington state is a powerhouse for advanced manufacturing and green technology. This investment in Group14 Technologies will help the United States meet our growing demand for the millions of batteries that we need to power our homes and vehicles over the rest of this century. It will also mean more good-paying green jobs in our region. The bipartisan infrastructure law that I proudly supported continues to invest in the traditional infrastructure like roads and bridges that we sorely need across the country but also the forward-looking advanced technology that will allow the United States to be a global green energy leader.”



State Leaders

Governor Andy Beshear, Kentucky

“Ascend Elements’ initial announcement made history as the largest development project in Christian County, but with recent announcements the investment has grown to nearly $1 billion and will create 400 full-time jobs, making it the single largest investment in Western Kentucky,” Gov. Beshear. “Kentucky has quickly become a national leader in the electric-vehicle space and a substantial supplier network that consists of innovative companies like Ascend Elements is the reason for that success. I want to thank the leaders at the company for this commitment to the commonwealth and I can’t wait to see Ascend Elements and the Hopkinsville community grow together.”

Governor John Bel Edwards, Louisiana

“These massive investments will have transformational impacts in Vidalia and St. Gabriel and create hundreds of jobs. This is another step forward in our important work to diversify and grow Louisiana’s economy, create good-paying jobs, and become leaders in the global energy transition as we move toward our goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. I would like to thank U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm for awarding Louisiana this funding, and I would also like to thank President Biden, Senator Bill Cassidy, and Representative Troy Carter for their support of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that made this possible.”

Governor Steve Sisolak, Nevada

“I applaud the recent DOE announcement of $2.8 billion for electric vehicle and energy storage battery manufacturing, $107 million of which is going to two Nevada-based companies. Nevada is well-poised to assist the U.S. in battery manufacturing and processing in the ongoing transition to a clean energy economy that is reducing emissions and energy costs. I’m proud of our Nevada companies for their respective awards from DOE thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.”

Governor Doug Burgum, North Dakota

“We’ve worked hard in North Dakota to create a stable tax and regulatory environment that attracts capital and talent, and today’s announcement that Talon Metals plans to create 150 jobs and invest more than $400 million in a battery minerals processing facility sends a strong signal that North Dakota is open for business,” Burgum said. “By increasing domestic production of nickel and other battery minerals and reducing our reliance on foreign sources, we can strengthen our economy, our communities and our national security while continuing to grow North Dakota’s status as a powerhouse for the nation. We appreciate the U.S. Department of Energy selecting Talon’s proposed facility for a $114 million cost-share grant through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support the project, as well as Talon’s commitment to working with local communities to ensure the project has broad support.”



Local Leaders

Mayor Tim Kelly, Chattanooga, Tennessee

“American manufacturing is back. Thanks to President Biden and Secretary Granholm, Chattanooga is positioned to lead the emerging clean energy economy. With $150M of federal investment in Novonix Battery, our city will lead the world’s production of battery grade synthetic graphite. I also want to thank Chattanooga’s own federal delegation for their strong support for this important project, including Representative Fleischmann, Senator Hagerty, and Senator Blackburn. I deeply appreciate their consistent support for Chattanooga’s local economy.”



Labor Leaders

Jason Walsh, Executive Director, BlueGreen Alliance

“This funding will provide an urgently needed boost to battery manufacturing in the United States. As the transition to EVs and renewable energy continues to gain momentum, there is no reason that the U.S. should remain captive to unreliable—and often unethical—global supply chains. But domestic investment isn’t enough on its own. We applaud the Biden administration’s long-standing support for the workers who are going to be building the batteries and components that we will be relying on. Now, we need to hold the companies benefiting from these public investments accountable to ensure workers can exercise their right to organize and make these good, union jobs.”

Tom Conway, President, United Steelworkers

“We look forward to working with Talon to mine nickel in Minnesota and process it in North Dakota. It’s essential that we have a stable supply chain for the raw materials we’ll need to power clean energy technology, and USW members have a long, proud history of standing up for safe, family-sustaining, union jobs in the area. Through workforce training and a strong collaboration, we’ll ensure that the jobs created will put us on strong footing and continue to sustain our communities well into the future.”



Climate Leaders

JC Sandberg, Interim CEO and Chief Advocacy Officer, American Clean Power Association

“The clean power industry applauds today’s announcement from the Biden administration on grants for domestic manufacturing and minerals processing companies in the battery sector. Creating a more diverse and stable battery supply chain for energy storage will help U.S. companies deploy the 100 gigawatts (GW) of new storage we need by 2030, continuing to grow America’s clean energy economy and the good-paying jobs that come with it. Energy storage is critical to a reliable, clean electric grid, and today’s announcement is a powerful signal that the U.S. intends to compete and be a global leader in this critical sector.”

Ben Prochazka, Executive Director, Electrification Coalition

“Today is another critical step to ensuring that in the U.S., we will not only drive electric, we will also create a robust U.S. supply chain to build electric. As we accelerate the shift to EVs, we must accelerate the growth of the U.S. manufacturing and industrial base, with electrification ushering in new minerals-based economic opportunities. Not only will we see new jobs from these announcements today, but also the ability for the U.S. automotive sector to have secure, robust and reliable access to the minerals and batteries needed to meet current and future EV demand. With these awards, the U.S. is stepping back into a leadership position with all aspects of the EV market and is ready to outcompete China. We are also greatly pleased to see that the awarded projects focus on involving the local community and contribute meaningfully to the equity goals under the Justice40 Initiative from the Biden administration. As we move to this new minerals-based economy, we must do so with manufacturing solutions that work for everyone and ensure that we do not trade one form of pollution for another. For decades, we have purchased oil from countries that do not share our values, exposing consumers and businesses to volatile gas and diesel prices. EVs are fueled by electricity that is produced domestically from diverse sources, keeping our energy dollars here at home and supporting our national economy. From Ohio to North Carolina, Georgia, Nevada and more, these projects support a secure EV future.”

Shannon Heyck-Williams, Senior Director of Climate and Energy Policy, National Wildlife Federation

“Clean energy innovation and 21st century solutions, like electric vehicles, are powering both the U.S. response to the climate crisis and our economic revival. The president’s $2.8 billion investment in battery manufacturing underscores how the investments of the bipartisan infrastructure law are helping address the climate crisis, putting Americans back to work in good-paying jobs, and revitalizing the U.S. manufacturing sector. We need to build off these investments and ensure that we are recycling the critical minerals we’ve already mined and only extracting new minerals in ways that do not harm wildlife, communities, or the environment.”

Katherine García, Director of the Clean Transportation for All campaign, Sierra Club

“We are at a turning point for electric vehicle adoption, and we applaud the Biden administration for its action today to strengthen our clean energy economy, create family-sustaining jobs, bolster the supply chain for EVs, and cut vehicle pollution. Our nation’s transition to electric vehicles must be one delivered with strong standards that invest in communities, especially those overburdened by pollution. Today’s announcement does just that.”

Hebah Kassem, Director of the Living Economy program, Sierra Club

“Today’s announcement is a win for the climate, for workers, and for communities. We cannot afford to repeat the mistakes of the past as we take steps toward the clean energy transition, we need to mitigate the climate crisis and transform our economy. We will continue to advocate for transformative industrial policy that reverses inequities, supports family-sustaining jobs, and slashes pollution.