The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has allocated $70.8 million to support small- and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs) across the automotive, battery recycling, and smart manufacturing sectors. The funding will be used to aid federal partnerships with state and local governments, and help federal investments in climate, clean energy, and other areas reach disadvantaged communities. The projects were selected by the Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains (MESC) and fall into one of three categories:

• Upgrading manufacturing facilities to support advanced vehicles
• Increasing the efficiency of battery recycling programs
• Supporting state-level efforts to modernize manufacturing

Here’s how the funding will be distributed:

• 5 states will receive $50 million to help automotive manufacturers upgrade their facilities. The investments, made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act, will be used to bolster local manufacturing capacity serving the electric, hybrid, or fuel cell vehicle supply chains.
• 7 states will receive $11.5 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to make battery recycling more accessible for consumers, reducing waste and improving the nation’s battery recycling landscape.
• 5 states will receive $9.3 million in funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help establish programs that accelerate the adoption of smart manufacturing and high-performance computing technologies across SMMs.

What people are saying

In a recent quote, U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm said, “States and localities will guide America’s position as a leader in advancing a global clean energy transition, and the Biden-Harris Administration is ensuring they have the tools they need to succeed. The projects announced today cement this Administration’s state-based efforts to support the nation’s auto workforce and communities, all while strengthening domestic manufacturing and bolstering our energy security.” 

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