KEY POINTS
- DOE allocates $428M for clean energy projects in former coal regions.
- Projects will create 1,900 jobs and leverage $500M in private investment.
- Selected projects address key clean energy supply chain needs.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced on Tuesday that it will allocate $428 million to 14 clean energy projects aimed at revitalizing 15 former coal communities across the country.
These initiatives, which are spearheaded by small and medium-sized enterprises, are a part of an endeavor to speed the shift to domestic clean energy manufacturing and address vulnerabilities in the energy supply chain.
Five of the chosen projects are in or close to underprivileged areas, and the other two are situated in communities with defunct coal installations.
A community benefits strategy is incorporated into every project to guarantee favorable health, environmental, and economic results. However, in order to generate more than 1,900 high-quality employment, DOE plans to leverage more than $500 million in private investment.
Focusing on Clean Energy Supply Chains
The DOE’s initiative seeks to enhance U.S. national security by building robust supply chains for emerging clean energy technologies, such as grid components, batteries, low-carbon materials, and energy efficiency products.
According to Mining.com, these projects are designed to help prepare the manufacturing sector for the growing demand for clean energy solutions.
Moreover, U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm praised the role of former coal communities, stating, “The valuable skills and experience of workers who powered America for decades are essential to advancing the clean energy transition. These projects will help revitalize communities and create forward-thinking technologies.”
Economic and Job Growth in Former Coal Areas
From recycling plants to battery manufacturing facilities, the projects cover a broad spectrum of clean energy endeavors. For instance, $24.9 million will be given to Anthro Energy in Louisville, Kentucky, to renovate a factory and manufacture cutting-edge electrolytes for batteries used in electric vehicles.
In the meantime, the first battery-grade iron phosphate plant in the United States will be built by Sparkz Inc. in West Virginia, creating 75 new employment.
170 operational jobs will be created when Infinitum opens a manufacturing facility in Rockdale, Texas, to create powerful printed circuit boards, an essential part of electric motors.
Furthermore, Terra CO2 Holdings will manufacture low-emission cement substitutes in Utah, lowering carbon footprints and generating competitively compensated jobs.
The Future of Clean Energy in the U.S.
White House National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi highlighted the broader impact of these projects on America’s economy and climate goals.
“By harnessing the power of former coal communities, we are spearheading a clean energy comeback that will spur manufacturing growth and rebuild the middle class,” Zaidi said.
In addition, the DOE projects are part of a larger effort to tap into the global market for clean energy technologies, expected to grow to $23 trillion by 2030.
These projects will help position the U.S. as a leader in clean energy innovation while preparing the workforce for future growth.
