Expert Blog by Daniel Sawmiller
Natural Resources Defense Council
Driven primarily by projected electric vehicle (EV) demand, the global Lithium-ion battery industry and its associated supply chain have committed more than $600B in funding towards launching new electric vehicle models. This includes large scale investment in mineral extraction, chemical processing, anode and cathode production, cell production, recycling facilities and the provision of EV component parts.
The GM and LG Chem announcement of the Ultium Cells battery factory has opened up new possibilities for Ohio. Already a powerhouse in the automotive supply chain, Ohio has a unique opportunity to capture investment and establish the state as a hub for the EV and battery industries. However, competition for EV supply chain manufacturing investment in North America—and around the globe—is intensifying and deals are being negotiated and announced right now, making it essential for the state to move quickly. Decisions made over the next two years will shape the footprint of auto production for decades. Continue reading here.
More Articles, News Briefs & Resources
- Southern Public Power looks at changing demands, Nebraska TV
- U.S. Army’s First Climate Strategy Calls for Emissions Cuts, Base Protections, by Reuters, U.S. News & World Report
- Army to equip all bases with microgrids by 2035 as part of carbon-free electricity goal, Microgrid Knowledge
- White House Task Force on Worker Organizing and Empowerment Report, White House Briefing Room
- American Clean Power statement on White House electric utility CEO roundtable, American Clean Power Association
- What’s driving the push as institutions plow money into renewables?, Renewable Energy World
- Colleges see untapped potential in geothermal district energy systems, Energy News Network
- DOE’s Geothermal Technologies Office’s Quarterly Webinar: February 24, 2022 at 1:30 p.m. Central Time
- Are You A Clean Energy Champion?, Department of Energy
- Electrifying transportation to benefit everyone, Department of Energy
News Briefs & Resources from DOE & Other Sources
- DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy has launched a new email list and web page to share its open funding opportunities and prizes.
- DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE) Initiatives and Projects
- The Better Climate Challenge is a partnership between organizations and DOE to reduce portfolio-wide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by at least 50% within 10 years. DOE will provide technical assistance and opportunities to learn and share actionable best practices for carbon reduction.
- The American Wind Wildlife Institute is now officially REWI, the Renewable Energy Wildlife Institute, to reflect the expansion of their scope to include solar.
- DOE Energy Saver Resource: Ev Charging at Home
- More Energy Saver Resources
- Advanced Water Heating Initiative Fact Sheet, New Buildings Institute
STEM Education Events
Engineers Week starts February 20. Founded by the National Society of Professional Engineers in 1951, the event is dedicated to ensuring a diverse and well-educated future engineering workforce by increasing understanding of and interest in engineering and technology careers.
Students can get advice in this profile from DOE’s archives about engineer Jennifer Hoynack, and check out DOE’s engineering programs like Argonne’s Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day, Brookhaven National Lab’s annual bridge building competition, the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy’s Marine Energy Collegiate Competition, Sandia’s Athena Engineering Scholars Program, and more on the STEM Rising website.
The 2022 Science on Saturday series presented by DOE’s Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory on “Energy and the Environment” showcases the Lab’s research and technology on environmental issues and climate change. Geared toward high school and middle school students, the virtual series is FREE. Click the above link to join the discussions and download companion student worksheets.
Sign in: 11:45 a.m. Central Time. Presentations begin at 12 p.m.
- February 12: Small Algae, Big World: The Impact of Microalgae on Global Carbon Cycling and Sustainable Biofuels
- February 19: Bringing Star Power to Earth: Harnessing Nuclear Fusion
- February 26: The Future in Focus: Predicting Climate Change through Observations, Modeling, and Artificial Intelligence
Past presentations can be viewed on LLNL’s Science on Saturday YouTube channel