US Department of Energy vows to advance clean manufacturing
The department has announced a $61-million investment across 31 projects in a bid to propel the US’ position in the global clean energy economy
The US Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) has announced a $61-million investment. 31 projects based around materials and technology have been selected for the funding in an aim to advance clean manufacturing.
The projects not only help to combat climate crisis, but also contribute to securing US domestic supply chains. Most projects are led by national laboratories, industry, and academia to accelerate research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) in domestic manufacturing.
The selected projects will drive innovation to advance the next-generation materials, manufacturing, and related technologies required to strengthen America’s economic competitiveness. This is crucial as the US strives towards a net-zero carbon economy by 2050.
Alejandro Moreno, Acting Assistant Secretary for EERE, commented: “These 31 projects will help advance cutting-edge manufacturing technology solutions vital to our nation’s clean energy future. They will also foster competitive, sustainable, and resilient manufacturing systems and supply chains to strengthen our nation’s manufacturing enterprise.”
Of the selected projects, 20 are in the area of next generation materials and manufacturing. Specifically, subtopics include increased conductivity metal-based material systems, harsh environment materials, and machine learning for aerostructures.
Four projects were selected from the secure and sustainable materials area, addressing regional pilot-scale demonstrations of circular supply chains. These include advancements in technology like material recovery, end-of-life processing, and recycling.
Finally, seven projects on energy technology manufacturing were selected. These projects focus on clean energy technology, with technologies that address domestic EV battery manufacturing and building dehumidification scale-up.
In addition to the federal government’s funding of $61.07 million, there is a cost share of $17.53 million also available to the selectees.