~*~Mining and Metals Du Jour~*~

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Biden-Harris Administration Announces First Projects Receiving Clean Energy Manufacturing Investments in America's Industrial and Energy Communities

with MMGYS Soundtrack

APRIL 19, 2024
Energy.gov Biden-Harris Administration Announces First Projects Receiving Clean Energy Manufacturing Investments in America's Industrial and Energy Communities
President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda Supports New Projects Building Grid Transformers, Manufacturing EV Chargers and Solar Components, and Processing Critical Minerals, Helping Revitalize Local Economies with Clean Energy Jobs

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today released details for 35 projects across 20 states that voluntarily shared with DOE they received a total of $1.93 billion in allocations of the Qualifying Advanced Energy Project Credit (48C). 48C is an allocated tax credit funded by President Biden’s Investing in America agenda through the Inflation Reduction Act, aimed at accelerating clean energy manufacturing and recycling and reducing greenhouse gas emissions at industrial facilities.

The projects announced today are addressing critical needs across the clean energy economy, including grid components (e.g., transformers), electric vehicle components and chargers, solar components, clean steel, critical materials processing and recycling, and other clean energy products. Seven of the projects announced today are located in traditional energy communities, which include communities with closed coal mines or coal plants – advancing the President’s commitment to invest in the communities that have kept America’s economy powered for generations. In order to receive the full 30 percent investment tax credit, projects receiving a 48C tax credit must meet prevailing wage and registered apprenticeship requirements.

“The Biden-Harris Administration is executing an industrial strategy that prioritizes rebuilding our domestic manufacturing sector, creating good-paying jobs across the country,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “Through the historic Advanced Energy Project Credit, we are leveraging the infrastructure, expertise, and grit of America’s energy communities—where the workers that powered our energy past, will power our energy future.”

“President Biden’s economic agenda ensures all communities benefit from the growth of the clean energy economy by driving innovation and investment in areas of the country that have long been at the forefront of fossil fuel production,” said U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen. “Investments in advanced energy projects strengthen our energy security and create good-paying jobs in vital fields like clean energy manufacturing and critical materials processing. They also allow for existing energy infrastructure to be upgraded for the clean energy economy. All of this work will help lower energy costs for American families and small businesses.”

“President Biden is committed to building a clean energy economy that is bringing investments and jobs to the same communities that have powered our nation for over a century with fossil fuels,” said John Podesta, Senior Advisor to the President for International Climate Policy. “Today’s announcement of projects coming forward to share their participation in the 48C Qualifying Advanced Energy Program represents a direct, targeted investment in those energy communities and manufacturing across the nation so they can power our country for the next century.”

The IRA expanded the Qualifying Advanced Energy Project Credit (48C) to provide an additional credit allocation of $10 billion, with $4 billion set aside for projects in designated energy communities. The 48C credit is an investment tax credit of up to 30% of qualified investments for qualifying projects, provided they meet prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements.

On March 29, 2024, the IRS allocated approximately $4 billion of 48C credits for over 100 projects across 35 states, with approximately $1.5 billion allocated to projects in designated energy communities. As required by statute, the 48C(e) program can release the names of all organizations allocated a credit and the amount of that allocation only after projects are certified, a process that can take up to two years. In advance of that certification, as of April 18th, 35 projects voluntarily self-disclosed information to DOE to share publicly as part of today’s announcement.

Clean Energy and Clean Vehicle Manufacturing

Fourteen projects will expand the manufacturing of clean energy products and materials to bolster energy security and increase economic competitiveness. These projects will include new and expanded facilities to produce products ranging from electric vehicle chargers, recycled glass and polysilicon for solar panels, and steel needed for offshore wind projects. These projects include:

Highland Materials, Inc, Surgoinsville TN. This project, which is located in an Energy Community, will initially produce 16,000 Metric Tons per year (MT/year) of solar grade polysilicon at less than standard cost and with a 90% reduction in carbon emissions. At full capacity, it will produce 20,000 MT/year – the equivalent of 11 GW of solar cells. Highland is working closely with Northeast State Community College to develop and implement workforce development including DOL certified apprenticeship programs, along with other community support programs designed to support our workforce and the community at large. [Credit Amount: $255.6 Million]

Mobis North America electrified Powertrain, LLC (MNAe), Richmond Hill GA. MNAe will be constructing three different electric vehicle component plants that will provide parts to the production of Hyundai and Kia electric vehicles. The awarded plant, located in Richmond Hill, will specifically produce Power Electric Systems (“PE System”) which are integral to the production of electric vehicles. [Credit Amount: $57.6 Million]
Grid Components and Modernization

Eight projects will produce critical grid components needed to bolster grid resiliency and overcome supply chain constraints to upgrading the grid, including large power transformers, grid scale batteries, substation electrical transformers, voltage regulators, and belowground and underwater electrical cables. These projects include:

Eaton Corporation, Waukesha WI. This project will increase manufacturing capacity for three-phase transformers used for utility power grids, data centers, and other large commercial and industrial applications. This equipment will provide critical support for electric grid resilience, renewable energy projects and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. Eaton works closely with Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC) to create education and training programs for manufacturing careers, including coil winding. [Credit Amount: $1.33 Million]

Prysmian, Williamsport PA. This project will reequip and expand an existing facility to increase manufacturing capacity of advanced transmission conductors, enabling production of thousands of metric tons per year. The conductors are expected to supply the Grain Belt Express project, a long-distance high-voltage direct-current transmission line project to deliver more affordable, reliable, and domestically sourced clean electricity to the Midwest. [Credit Amount: $3.89 Million]

Critical Minerals and Materials

Five projects will increase the U.S. production and refinement of critical minerals and materials needed to support the manufacturing of materials like electrical steel, lithium carbonate, and synthetic graphite. Projects will also include facilitating the recycling of lithium-ion batteries and black mass, ensuring critical minerals stay in the country for reuse and long-term supply chain and energy security. These projects include:

ArcelorMittal Calvert LLC, Calvert AL. This new advanced manufacturing facility in an Energy Community will produce high-quality non-grain oriented electrical steel (NOES). NOES is a critical material for production of electric motors used to power battery electric vehicles, plug in hybrid electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles, and other clean energy technologies. ArcelorMittal Calvert will partner with local educational and training institutions to develop tailored workforce development programs to meet the workforce needs. [Credit Amount: $280.5 Million]
Nth Cycle Inc., Fairfield, OH. This facility will provide the nation’s first large-scale production of Mixed Hydroxide Precipitate (MHP), and will make use of recycled and scrap materials from Li-ion batteries, spent catalysts and alloy scraps and slags. The process will provide critical nickel and cobalt materials for EV battery production. [Credit Amount: $7.22 Million]
Industrial Decarbonization

Eight projects will reduce emissions at existing industrial facilities or accelerate the manufacturing of clean hydrogen and low carbon fuels, including the manufacturing of electrolyzers, to facilitate the decarbonization of essential, energy-intensive sectors like steel and cement. These projects include:


Middlesex County Utilities Authority, Sayreville NJ. This project will increase the efficiency of a solid waste handling process of wastewater treatment through a new Advanced Anaerobic Digestion Facility, increasing use of renewable energy and reducing emissions by approximately 23%. The project’s construction contracts will include project labor agreements, support apprenticeships, and engage with businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, and local small business owners. [Credit Amount: $40.5 Million]
Topsoe SOEC Production US Inc., Chester VA. This project will significantly expand U.S. electrolyzer manufacturing capacity, helping to meet the growing demand for green hydrogen. Electrolyzers are key for decarbonizing energy-intensive industries like steel, mining, and long-distance transportation, which account for approximately 30% of global greenhouse gas emissions. [Credit Amount: $135.9 Million]
See the full list of projects here.

Workforce and Community Benefits

These projects will help create more pathways for training and employment in the clean energy and manufacturing sectors and ensure that communities that traditionally powered our nation reap the economic benefits of the clean energy economy. For example, projects are partnering with a variety of training and education organizations (e.g., community colleges, colleges, career technical centers) to develop a skilled workforce. Community benefit agreements, project labor agreements and impact agreements that identify specific benefits for workers and local communities are being utilized within the portfolio. Projects also must meet prevailing wage and registered apprenticeship requirements to receive the full value of their 48C allocation.

The U.S. Department of Treasury and Internal Revenue Service anticipate issuing guidance for the second round of the 48C program in the coming weeks, with a submission window for required concept papers anticipated to open by this summer.

Companies that wish to be publicly listed by Department of Energy as recipients of the 48C program may submit their opt-in form to the Department of Energy to be featured in ongoing announcements. Learn more about the Qualifying Advanced Energy Project Credit (48C), which is managed by DOE’s Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains.
https://www.energy.gov/articles/biden-harris-administration-announces-first-projects-receiving-clean-energy-manufacturing

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Biden-Harris Administration Announces $475 Million Investment to Support Clean Energy Solutions on Current and Former Mine Land

MARCH 21, 2024
Energy.gov Biden-Harris Administration Announces $475 Million Investment to Support Clean Energy Solutions on Current and Former Mine Land
President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda Funding Five Projects in Mining Communities Across the Nation, Supporting Local Economies While Accelerating Affordable, Clean Energy Solutions

WASHINGTON, D.C. — As part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced up to $475 million in funding for five projects in Arizona, Kentucky, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia to accelerate clean energy deployment on current and former mine land. This funding—made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law—will support a variety of diverse, locally-driven clean energy projects that can be replicated in current and former mining communities across the country. The projects are expected to expand local and regional workforce partnerships and generate local tax revenues, supporting essential public services and spurring new economic opportunities in communities that have helped power the nation for generations. Today’s announcement will help strengthen America’s energy security and ensure the nation’s mining communities continue to play a vital role in our energy economy—reinforcing the Biden-Harris Administration’s deep commitment to building an inclusive and equitable clean energy future that creates healthier, more resilient communities.

“President Biden believes that the communities that have powered our nation for the past 100 years should power our nation for the next 100 years,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “Thanks to the President’s Investing in America agenda, DOE is helping deploy clean energy solutions on current and former mine land across the country—supporting jobs and economic development in the areas hit hardest by our evolving energy landscape.”

In line with President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, these projects will advance energy and environmental justice and help ensure the benefits of the clean energy transition flow directly to impacted communities. The projects announced today will accelerate clean energy solutions that are critical to reducing pollution, creating healthier communities, and meeting the Biden-Harris Administration’s ambitious clean energy and climate goals.

Accelerating Clean Energy Deployment in America’s Mining Communities

The selected projects cover a range of clean energy technologies, from solar, microgrids, and pumped storage hydropower to geothermal and battery energy storage systems. Three projects are on former Appalachian coal mines, which supports economic revitalization and workforce development on land that is no longer viable for industrial purposes. In the West, two projects seek to displace fossil-fuel use by ramping up net-zero mining operations and providing the critical materials needed for a robust, domestic, clean energy supply chain. These projects are expected to create more than 3,000 good-paying construction and operations jobs.

The five projects selected for award negotiation include:

Copper Recovery to Support America’s Domestic Energy Supply Chain (Graham and Greenlee Counties, Arizona) – This project seeks to deploy direct-use, geothermal, clean heat combined with a battery energy storage system at two active copper mines in Southeast Arizona, helping decrease the mines’ reliance on onsite thermal backup generators while supporting the annual extraction of 25 million pounds of copper, a critical material, previously considered unrecoverable. This project anticipates creating 121 construction and 12 operations jobs. Freeport Minerals Corporation, the selectee, aims to continue to foster partnerships with technical colleges and high schools, with an emphasis on expanding access for students from underrepresented groups and providing scholarships for nearly 300 Native American students from 14 tribes.
Lewis Ridge Project (Coal-to-Pumped Storage Hydropower) (Bell County, Kentucky) – This project proposes converting former coal mine land to a closed-loop, pumped-storage hydroelectric facility with the potential to dispatch up to eight hours of power when needed, such as during times of peak demand or extreme weather events. This project will support the increase of local tax revenues that have decreased steadily since the 1970s and create approximately 1,500 construction and 30 operations jobs. Rye Development serves as the selectee and plans to prioritize local hiring through partnerships with several unions and the Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College.
Decarbonizing Gold Mines (Elko, Humboldt and Eureka Counties, Nevada) – This project aims to develop a solar photovoltaic (PV) facility and accompanying battery energy storage system across three active gold mines in Nevada. By shifting to clean energy, this project could demonstrate a replicable way for the mining industry to reach net-zero operations, while meeting growing demands for minerals across multiple sectors—including the clean energy supply chain. Nevada Gold Mines LLC, the selectee, has committed to local hiring; offering training, mentoring and apprenticeships; and creating 300 construction jobs to support this project.
Mineral Basin: Coal-to-Solar (Clearfield County, Pennsylvania) – This project plans to repurpose nearly 2,700 acres of former coal mining land to support the largest solar project in Pennsylvania. At 402 MW, Mineral Basin will generate enough clean energy to power more than 70,000 homes. This project will increase regional access to clean energy and fill a critical electricity-generation gap following the closure of the Homer City coal plant. The project expects to create more than 750 construction jobs and six operations jobs, while providing $1.1 million in annual tax revenue to Goshen and Girard townships, Clearfield County and the Clearfield County School District. Once operational, Mineral Basin will contribute $500 for every megawatt generated annually to Goshen and Girard townships for community improvements, for a total of more than $200,000 per year. Mineral Basin Solar Power, LLC, a subsidiary of Swift Current Energy, the selectee, plans to partner with multiple local and regional education and workforce stakeholders to increase economic mobility for citizens across a 27-county region; make significant improvements to the water quality on the Susquehanna River; and create high-demand, high-wage jobs across multiple sectors.
A Model for Transition: Coal-to-Solar (Nicholas County, West Virginia) – This project plans to repurpose two former coal mines with a utility-scale, 250 MW solar PV system that would power approximately 39,000 West Virginia homes. These two inactive mine sites provide land and access to existing energy infrastructure that will transmit the clean, solar energy the project generates to the grid. Repurposing these previously disturbed sites for solar energy development can reduce development on sensitive natural and agricultural land, produce and deliver clean power to local communities, and lay the groundwork for a regional economic revitalization starting with the workforce. The New River Community and Technical College, Mana Group, and National Association of Counties Research Foundation plan to create a national Coal Transition Workforce Center to support and revitalize the local workforce for other opportunities in the nation’s growing clean energy economy. This project anticipates creating approximately 400 construction jobs and four operations jobs and aims to engage state labor groups and education program, curating a curriculum and identifying pathways to good-paying, clean energy jobs.
Developing clean energy projects on mine land provides an attractive economic alternative to using undisturbed natural and agricultural land. Mine land is often located near critical infrastructure that makes it suitable for clean energy development, including electric substations, transmission lines, and access to roads or railroad lines. Projects ultimately selected for award have the potential to be replicated and scaled on the millions of acres of current and former U.S. mine land. Managed by DOE’s Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED), the Clean Energy Demonstration Program on Current and Former Mine Land (CEML) will help provide the mining industry with a range of ways to decarbonize their operations and minimize environmental impacts and air pollutants, abating greenhouse gas emissions and disturbances to fragile, surrounding ecosystems. Simultaneously, replicating clean energy technologies like these on other current and former mines will help maximize local workforce development and community opportunities for generations.

Learn more about the selected projects here.

Building an Inclusive Clean Energy Future
DOE is committed to ensuring that America’s mining and traditional energy producing communities benefit from the nation’s transition to a clean energy future. This includes supporting local workforces, advancing environmental and energy justice, and fostering community engagement through the development and implementation of comprehensive Community Benefits Plans. Two selectees, as outlined in their Community Benefits Plans, have already signed agreements with local organized labor. The remaining selectees are either exploring or planning to develop project labor agreements to ensure a timely project completion with the help of skilled and diverse workers.

This program also advances President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which sets the goal that 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain Federal climate, clean energy, affordable and sustainable housing, and other investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution. According to the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool (CEJST), four of the selected projects (Arizona, Nevada, Kentucky, and West Virgina) will benefit disadvantaged communities, and one project (Pennsylvania) is located near a disadvantaged community for one of its proposed sites.

As part of the Department’s commitment to transparency and engagement, OCED will also hold a series of national and project specific community virtual briefings to provide information on the selected projects, OCED’s approach to clean energy demonstrations, and opportunities for community engagement. Learn about CEML engagement opportunities and register to attend here.

Selection for award negotiations is not a commitment by DOE to issue an award or provide funding. Before funding is issued, DOE and the selectees will undergo a negotiation process, and DOE may cancel negotiations and rescind the selection for any reason during that time.?If awarded,?OCED will evaluate these projects through a?phased approach to project management?that?includes “go/no-go” decision points between each project phase where DOE reviews and evaluates implementation progress, including community benefits. ??

OCED manages the CEML program and will provide project management oversight for the projects selected. Learn more about how OCED is supporting the Biden-Harris Administration’s whole-of-government approach in?addressing the climate crisis and delivering a clean and equitable energy future for every American.

https://www.energy.gov/articles/biden-harris-administration-announces-475-million-investment-support-clean-energy

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