As part of the Obama Administration’s blueprint for an economy built to last, the Energy Department recognized EnerG2 of Albany, which recently held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of its new manufacturing facility for electric vehicle battery components. Supported in part by $21.3 million in funding from the Department through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, this facility will produce nano-engineered carbon materials for batteries and other energy storage devices that can be used in electric drive vehicles. The project is one of many investments the Administration has made to revitalize the American auto industry, make U.S. manufacturers more competitive in the global economy, and create skilled manufacturing jobs.
“In his 2013 Budget Proposal, the President laid out a blueprint for a stronger economy built on American manufacturing, American energy, and skills for American workers,” said Energy Secretary Chu. “The Department’s support for EnerG2 is an example of how we are supporting the commercialization of innovative technologies and revitalizing U.S. manufacturing.”
EnerG2 is one of 30 advanced battery and electric drive manufacturing facilities supported by the Recovery Act. At full scale, these factories will have the capacity to supply batteries and components to more than 500,000 electric drive vehicles. This support for both manufacturing and research and development is contributing to the revitalization of America’s auto industry, and will help to meet the President’s goal of reducing oil imports by one-third by 2025.
At full capacity, the EnerG2 plant is expected to be able to produce enough advanced carbon material to support 60,000 electric drive vehicles each year. Previous to the Department of Energy award, the company was using rented equipment and facilities for its production. As most other producers of similar materials are located in Asia, this Recovery Act award is supporting an innovative company to build out a domestic industry that creates jobs for U.S. workers. In addition, this project is supporting manufacturing along the full supply chain, with domestic manufacturers supplying most of the project equipment.
This factory builds upon the company’s history of developing and commercializing innovative technology. EnerG2’s proprietary freeze-drying process to make its specialized carbon material was developed in laboratories at the University of Washington. This particular form of carbon can be used in a variety of energy storage equipment, including ultracapacitors, lithium-ion batteries, and advanced lead acid batteries. In addition to the Recovery Act funding, the company has raised more than $17 million in venture capital and received a $1.8 million grant and loan package through the State of Washington’s State Energy Program funding.
Source: USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy accelerates development and facilitates deployment of energy efficiency and renewable technologies and market-based solutions that strengthen U.S. energy security, environmental quality, and economic vitality. The Vehicle Technologies Program funds research and development for energy efficient and environmentally friendly vehicle technologies. To learn more about the program, please visit the Vehicle Technologies Program website.
