The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains has granted $24.9 million to Anthro Energy to support the establishment of the first advanced electrolyte production facility in Louisville, Kentucky. The facility, the first of its kind in the United States, will produce essential materials for advanced battery technologies, including high-performance silicon anodes and high-voltage cathodes, contributing to the nation’s clean energy goals.
Anthro Energy CEO David Mackanic described the grant as a “pivotal moment” for the industry, remarking, “Establishing the nation’s first facility for domestic production of advanced electrolytes is a game-changer; it strengthens our energy independence, bolsters the battery supply chain, and propels us toward a clean energy economy.” He highlighted the support from both the DOE and the state of Kentucky in bringing the project to life.
The Louisville-based facility aims to produce approximately 25 GWh annually, supplying 12,000 metric tons of advanced electrolytes. It is expected to enhance the safety, longevity, and efficiency of lithium-ion batteries, crucial to next-generation energy storage. Additionally, the project will bring an estimated 114 full-time and 390 temporary construction jobs, with Anthro Energy investing $2.5 million in workforce training and education for local residents.
Congressman McGarvey and the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development are backing the initiative, aligning with the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to ensure economic and environmental benefits reach underserved communities and contribute to the nation’s net-zero emissions goal by 2050.
