The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced a significant funding opportunity of up to $63 million to support the expansion of battery recycling and manufacturing across the country. This initiative, which aligns with the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda, aims to move the United States toward its goal of a net-zero economy by 2050.
The funding, overseen by the DOE’s Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains (MESC), is divided into two primary focus areas:
- Battery Recycling: $41 million has been allocated for state and local government battery recycling programs. This represents the second phase of a $50 million investment provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The initiative seeks to establish new recycling programs and collection points, making battery disposal more accessible to consumers at retail locations and community sites.
- Smart Manufacturing: $22 million is dedicated to the State Manufacturing Leadership Program’s second phase. This funding aims to help small- and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs) implement smart manufacturing technologies and practices, including access to high-performance computing resources.
U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm emphasized the importance of this investment, stating that it will provide SMMs with state-of-the-art technologies to improve operational efficiencies and expand battery recycling capabilities.
The program also supports the Biden-Harris Administration’s Justice40 initiative, which ensures that 40 percent of the benefits of these investments go to disadvantaged communities. Projects under this funding opportunity must include community and workforce engagement, promote diversity and inclusion, and invest in the American workforce.
This strategic investment in battery recycling and smart manufacturing is expected to strengthen America’s global manufacturing leadership, increase domestic materials sourcing, and drive innovation in the clean energy sector.
Source: Energy.gov
