In a move to bolster domestic clean energy manufacturing and revitalize energy communities, the Biden-Harris administration has announced $275 million in funding for seven projects. These initiatives aim to strengthen clean energy supply chains and accelerate manufacturing in nine former coal communities across the United States. The investments, made possible by President Biden's Investing in America Agenda, will create nearly 1,500 high-quality jobs and leverage over $600 million in private sector investments.

The projects, facilitated by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), will play a crucial role in enhancing America's global competitiveness and national security by building domestic supply chains using American labor and materials. They will focus on existing and emerging technologies, such as energy storage for grid and transportation uses, wind energy, and energy-efficient solutions for buildings.

The selected projects, with an emphasis on small- and medium-sized manufacturers, will address critical clean energy supply chain vulnerabilities and support key materials and components essential for the advancement of clean energy. Moreover, the majority of these projects will be located in or near disadvantaged communities, aligning with the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to an inclusive clean energy future for all.

U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm lauded the investments, stating, "President Biden's Investing in America agenda is driving the manufacturing boom while preserving the communities and workforce that have powered our nation for generations." Granholm emphasized that these historic investments will not only bring new economic opportunities but also ensure that these communities continue to play a significant role in strengthening America's national and energy security.

The global market for clean energy and carbon reduction technologies is expected to reach a staggering $23 trillion by 2030. By actively participating in this economic opportunity, the Biden-Harris administration aims to help energy communities reap the benefits. The United States has already witnessed substantial economic growth, with manufacturing returning to pre-pandemic levels as a share of the country's gross domestic product (GDP).

Each of the seven selected projects will contribute to building more resilient, robust, and cost-effective clean energy supply chains. They will focus on producing technologies that reduce reliance on fossil fuels, strengthen national defense and energy independence, and combat the looming climate crisis.

The projects include:

1. Alpen High-Performance Products, Inc.: This company will retrofit existing facilities in Louisville, Colorado, and Vandergrift, Pennsylvania, to produce ultra-thin, triple and quad-pane insulated glass units (IGUS) for windows. These retrofitted facilities will be the first of their kind in the United States.

2. Boston Metal: To meet the demand for clean power, fuel cells, and green steel supply chains, Boston Metal will construct a new facility in Weirton, West Virginia. The facility will manufacture ultrapure chromium metal and high-temperature alloys, critical materials for the clean energy industry.

3. Carter Wind Turbines, LLC: This family-owned company will establish a new facility in Vernon, Texas, to scale up the production of mid-sized wind turbines. This initiative aims to improve wind energy accessibility for remote, rural locations and rugged terrains.

4. CorePower Magnetics, Inc.: In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, an existing facility will be retrofitted to enable the melting and casting of advanced magnetic amorphous alloys for grid components.

5. FastCAP Systems d/b/a Nanoramic Laboratories: A new facility in Bridgeport, Connecticut, will be developed by FastCAP Systems to manufacture lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery electrodes for grid storage.

6. LuxWall Inc: Detroit, Michigan, will witness the construction of a new facility by LuxWall Inc to produce vacuum insulated glass (VIG) window units. VIG window units are known for their high energy efficiency and return on investment, making them an ideal choice for retrofitting buildings.

7. MP Assets Corporation: In Virginia, MP Assets Corporation will build a project to manufacture lithium-ion battery separators, a crucial component for electric vehicle supply chains.

The DOE decision to invest in these projects marks a commitment to accelerating domestic clean energy manufacturing and ensuring the resilience and security of the energy supply chain. While the selection for award negotiations is not a guarantee of funding, the DOE anticipates moving expeditiously to continue accelerating clean energy manufacturing and investing in the U.S. advanced energy manufacturing sector.

By boosting manufacturing, strengthening supply chains, and creating high-quality jobs, the Biden-Harris administration remains dedicated to advancing clean energy and revitalizing communities nationwide. These investments not only align with the global shift towards clean energy but also position the United States as a leader in this crucial industry.