The Biden-Harris Administration has announced nearly $430 million in funding to boost domestic clean energy manufacturing, specifically targeting former coal communities in the United States. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has selected 14 projects, led by small- and medium-sized businesses, to address vulnerabilities in the energy supply chain. These projects spread across 15 coal communities, aim to create over 1,900 well-paying jobs and bring in over $500 million in private-sector investment.
The selected projects will help strengthen the U.S. clean energy supply chain by focusing on grid components, batteries, low-carbon materials, clean power generation, and energy efficiency products. Five of these projects will take place in disadvantaged communities, with each one including a community benefits plan designed to maximize economic, health, and environmental gains.
According to U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm, these communities have long powered the nation, and their workers’ skills are vital for advancing clean energy technologies. National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi added that under the Biden-Harris leadership, the U.S. is witnessing a significant expansion in energy production and manufacturing, with coal communities playing a key role in this clean energy transition.
The global clean energy and carbon reduction technology market is projected to grow to at least $23 trillion by 2030. By investing in small and medium-sized businesses in the U.S. manufacturing sector, the government aims to ramp up production capacity and create job opportunities. The administration’s investment in clean energy manufacturing is a strategic effort to bolster national security, promote energy independence, and tackle the climate crisis.
The selected projects span various industries and locations. For example, Anthro Energy in Louisville, Kentucky, will receive $24.9 million to retrofit a facility for producing advanced electrolytes used in lithium-ion batteries. CleanFiber will set up two production facilities in Washington and Texas, each receiving $10 million to produce insulation materials made from recycled cardboard. TS Conductor in Michigan will receive $28.2 million to establish a factory that produces High Voltage, Direct Current conductors, supporting grid security.
Other notable projects include Moment Energy’s $20.3 million award to set up a battery repurposing facility in Taylor, Texas, and Sparkz Inc. in West Virginia, which will receive $9.8 million to establish a plant that produces battery-grade iron phosphate. The projects also aim to enhance clean energy infrastructure, such as the Mainspring Energy facility in Pennsylvania, which will produce linear generators capable of running on various gaseous fuels.
Through these investments, the administration is not only revitalizing former coal communities but also positioning the U.S. to lead in clean energy technology development, ensuring that the next generation of energy solutions is made domestically by American workers.
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