The U.S. DOE has invested $57.9m to support 30 projects to contribute towards decarbonising the American industrial sector.
The importance of advancing the science of clean energy manufacturing
On 16 June 2022, The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced $57.9m funding to be shared between 30 projects, all of which are housed within industry, universities, and the National labs. These projects will contribute towards decarbonising the American industrial sector, advancing the science of clean energy manufacturing, and strengthening America’s economic competitiveness. These projects are anticipated to yield technological innovations that can accelerate progress towards the Biden Administration’s goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
“Decarbonising the American industry while expanding our capacity to manufacture clean energy technologies is the surest way to meet the nation’s climate and economic goals,” explained Jennifer M. Granholm, U.S. Secretary of Energy. “The technologies funded through this investment will improve productivity, energy efficiency, and competitiveness across America’s industrial sector, creating good-paying jobs for American workers.”
In 2021, the industrial sector accounted for approximately one-third of all domestic greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs), which is more than the annual emissions of 631 million gasoline-fuelled passenger vehicles. To tackle the climate crisis, it is essential that American industry decarbonises as the production of clean energy technologies increases; this includes the construction of technologies, such as wind turbines, solar panels, and batteries for electric vehicles (EVs).
The selected projects will focus on inventions that can contribute towards achieving manufacturing that is cleaner and more efficient, as well as giving rise to the next generation of manufacturing processes for clean energy technologies.
Topic areas include:
Manufacturing process innovation
Selected projects will advance next-generation manufacturing processes that improve energy efficiency, reduce the carbon footprint of energy-intensive industries, or reduce manufacturing costs and improve material and product performance.
Advanced materials manufacturing
These projects will focus on the development and production of advanced manufacturing materials with improved properties, including materials that reduce the operating and maintenance costs of wind turbines and extend the lifetime of components operating in hydrogen environments.
Energy systems
Selected projects will develop innovative manufacturing processes for lithium-ion batteries that enhance safety and reduce cost and time-to-market.
“I applaud the Biden administration for awarding $19m to 11 clean energy projects in California,” said Dianne Feinstein, U.S. Senator (CA). “These projects will help improve technologies related to battery storage, solar panels, and wind turbines, all of which will be key tools on our path to reducing carbon emissions and generating more clean energy. California has long been a leader in transitioning to a clean energy economy, and these funds will help us move further down that path.”
“I applaud the DOE for investing millions in innovative clean energy projects in California,” added Alex Padilla, U.S. Senator (CA). “Meeting our emissions goals and combating the climate crisis will require a concerted effort to develop new technologies—including better lithium-ion batteries. The research of today will allow us to create a strong, clean energy economy for years to come.”
“Purdue University is a cornerstone of innovation in West Central Indiana with a worldwide impact,” concluded Jim Baird, U.S. Representative (IN-4). “I am pleased the DOE is paying attention to the good work the university is doing and allocating resources that will help advance its clean energy initiatives without stifling innovation. This will help Indiana be at the forefront of achieving more efficient manufacturing processes.”
These projects are funded through the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy’s Advanced Manufacturing Office, which supports the development of technologies that improve energy efficiency in U.S. manufacturing, as well as foundational, cross-cutting manufacturing processes, information, and materials technologies critical to efficient and competitive domestic manufacturing.
