The US Energy Department's (DOE's) Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains (MESC) has selected Anthro Energy for a $24.9 million grant to build an advanced electrolyte production facility, the company announced Oct. 23.

The grant is part of the DOE's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), which provides historic investments to modernize US infrastructure and foster clean energy innovation, including strengthening the domestic supply chain for advanced battery technologies.

Anthro said that it will use this grant to transform an existing manufacturing site into a state-of-the-art, 25-GWh production facility in Louisville, Kentucky. The facility will be capable of producing 12,000 metric tons of advanced electrolyte each year.

According to the company, this high-performance electrolyte is developed to significantly enhance the safety, lifespan and performance of modern lithium-ion battery (LIB) cells. Furthermore, the move is expected to accelerate the commercialization of innovative battery technologies, including silicon anodes and high-voltage cathodes in the US.

It further said that at full capacity, the facility will create 114 full-time jobs and 390 temporary construction jobs, providing significant economic benefits to Louisville and its surrounding communities. This project aligns with regional goals and has garnered strong local support, with endorsements from Congressman McGarvey and the Kentucky Cabinet of Economic Development.

Funded under the DOE's Advanced Energy Manufacturing and Recycling Grants Program, the project is part of a broader national effort to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and build a resilient, equitable clean energy economy. The BIL, a once-in-a-generation investment in US infrastructure, aims to enhance US competitiveness, tackle the climate crisis, and ensure that economic and environmental benefits reach disadvantaged communities.

David Mackanic, CEO of Anthro Energy, said, “We are thrilled to be selected for this award, which represents a pivotal moment for both Anthro Energy and the future of the U.S. battery industry. 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. The support from the DOE and the state of Kentucky has been key in helping us realize this vision, as we continue to push the boundaries of sustainable energy innovation.”