DOE seeks to implement $335 million battery recycling programs

August 30, 2022 at 06:38 AM EDT

The U.S. Department of Energy has issued a Request for Information to help guide the implementation of $335 million in investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for lithium-ion battery recycling programs.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to help guide the implementation of $335 million in investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for lithium-ion battery recycling programs.

Batteries are critical to powering clean energy technologies—from providing energy storage for the electric grid to zero-emissions transportation options, such as electric trucks, buses, or personal vehicles. Expanding options for domestic production of zero-emissions transportation will allow more Americans to benefit from clean transportation while adding jobs to the clean energy workforce and supporting President Biden’s decarbonization goals.

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While lithium-ion battery costs have fallen more than 90% since 2008, energy density and performance have rapidly increased, paving the way for an accelerated transition to clean transportation. With the global lithium-ion battery market projected to experience continued growth over the next decade, DOE is working with the industry to build a robust and sustainable U.S. battery supply chain that will support increased market demand.

This RFI builds and expands on DOE’s May 2022 announcement of $3.16 billion in funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, including $3.1 billion for battery materials refining and production plants, battery cell and pack manufacturing facilities, and recycling facilities, and $60 million to support second-life applications for batteries once used to power electric vehicles, and new processes for recycling materials back into the battery supply chain.

DOE is requesting feedback on how federal investments can accelerate the collection, transportation, processing, and recycling of batteries and scrap materials, enable second-life applications of lithium-ion batteries previously used to power electric vehicles, and support high-quality jobs for American workers. In alignment with President Biden’s Justice40 initiative, the department will address equity, environmental, and energy justice in relation to battery recycling and manufacturing. DOE is seeking feedback from industry, recyclers, retailers, community organizations, tribes, and state and local governments to ensure future funding opportunities address the energy and transportation needs of all Americans.

Responses to the RFI are due October 14, 2022, by 5 p.m. Eastern Time.