The Biden-Harris Administration has announced a substantial investment aimed at boosting clean energy manufacturing in former coal communities across the United States. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is allocating $428 million for 14 projects, focusing on small and medium-sized businesses in areas with decommissioned coal facilities. These projects are part of the administration's Investing in America agenda, which seeks to address vulnerabilities in the energy supply chain.
According to the DOE, five of these projects will be located in or near disadvantaged communities. Each initiative includes a community benefits plan designed to maximize economic, health, and environmental advantages for local residents. The overall goal is to enhance national security by building robust supply chains for both existing and emerging technologies within the country.
Jennifer Granholm, U.S. Secretary of Energy, stated, "The transition to America’s clean energy future is being shaped by communities filled with the valuable talent and experience that comes from powering our country for decades." She emphasized that utilizing the skills of former coal workers would strengthen national security while advancing new technologies and revitalizing communities.
Ali Zaidi, White House National Climate Advisor, highlighted the administration's efforts under President Biden and Vice President Harris: "We are leading an unprecedented expansion of American energy production...in former coal communities...mounting a clean energy comeback." He added that these investments aim to create union jobs, improve supply chains, and ensure that future clean energy technologies are developed domestically.
The selected projects span various sectors within the clean energy supply chain including grid components, batteries, low-carbon materials, clean power generation, and energy efficiency products. Notable initiatives include Anthro Energy's project in Louisville, KY for lithium-ion battery components; CleanFiber's insulation production facilities in Chehalis, WA and Ennis, TX; TS Conductor's advanced conductor manufacturing plant in Erie, MI; Furno Materials Inc.'s low-carbon cement facility in Chicago; Hempitecture Inc.'s hemp processing plant in Rogersville, TN; Infinitum's circuit board factory in Rockdale, TX; MetOx International's superconductor facility in Southeast U.S.; Moment Energy Inc.'s battery repurposing plant in Taylor TX; Mainspring Energy Inc.'s generator manufacturing site near Pittsburgh; RG Resource Technologies' solar system production line in Lansing MI; Sparkz Inc.'s battery-grade iron phosphate plant in Bridgeport WV; Terra CO2 Holdings' cementitious material facility in Magna UT; Urban Mining Industries' glass recycling plants in Indiantown FL and Baltimore MD.
The DOE clarified that selection for award negotiations does not guarantee funding as it depends on successful negotiation outcomes. The Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains leads several infrastructure law investments aimed at securing energy supply chains essential for deploying clean energy capital effectively.
