By Timothy Gardner
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. Grants $428 Million for Clean Energy Manufacturing in Communities Hit by Coal Closures
Investment managers and financial market analysts are buzzing with excitement as the U.S. government announced $428 million in grants to build or expand battery manufacturing and recycling plants, along with other clean energy projects in communities that have been impacted by recent closures of coal mines and power plants.
The administration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris has made it a priority to support communities struggling with the transition away from coal to combat climate change. These grants are a key part of their commitment to these communities, many of which are in states that have historically leaned Republican or are considered battleground states.
“These are communities that powered America for literally decades, and this administration believes they’re exactly the right folks to lead the clean energy transition for decades to come,” said Deputy U.S. Energy Secretary David Turk.
The 14 projects, spread across 12 states including Kentucky, Utah, West Virginia, Texas, and Pennsylvania, are expected to leverage an additional $500 million from the private sector and create over 1,900 high-paying jobs.
One notable project receiving funding is in Coraopolis, Pennsylvania, where Mainspring Energy will receive over $87 million for the production of 1,000 linear generators per year. This technology, which can generate power from various sources including hydrogen and biogas, is designed to support utilities, data centers, and micro-grids. Another project in Bridgeport, West Virginia, called Sparkz Inc, will receive $9.8 million to establish the first battery-grade iron phosphate plant in the United States.