The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently released an action plan to establish a clean energy supply chain.
According to a press release, the DOE is releasing a new strategy to secure an American Clean energy supply chain. The U.S currently relies heavily on clean energy imports, which leaves it vulnerable to supply chain disruptions.
“Taking bold action to invest in our supply chains means America will reap the tremendous opportunities that tackling climate change presents to kickstart domestic manufacturing and help secure our national, economic and energy security,” U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm said, according to the press release. "The strength of a nation relies on resilient and reliable critical supply chains across sectors, and DOE’s report provides the key strategies and recommendations for Congress and the Federal government to act now to help deliver more jobs and a stronger, cleaner future.”
There is a current shortfall of American companies producing parts needed for renewable energy equipment including turbines and electric vehicle batteries. This leaves American companies who rely on those parts vulnerable to supply chain disruptions.
The plan has listed several different areas they plan to invest in to help create a resilient supply chain. Among them are increasing the availability of critical materials, expanding our current domestic capability and attracting a skilled work force for the clean energy transition.
The report also has a list of suggestions for warrant congressional action regarding the supply chain. Suggestions include tax incentives, appropriating funding to the DOE to utilize Title III of the Defense Production Act and appropriate funds to establish regional grants to help attract this domestic workforce.
