In the States
GA: Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution are investing an additional $2 billion in battery cell manufacturing facilities at the Metaplant in Bryan County, Georgia, according to an announcement from Governor Brian Kemp. This expansion is set to create 400 new jobs. Governor Kemp stated, “Today, we’re building on that success as we continue to make Georgia the e-mobility capital of the nation.” The investment comes after a memorandum of understanding was signed in May 2023 between the two companies, establishing LGES as the partner for Hyundai's onsite battery cell manufacturing. The 30 GWh facility will support the production of 300,000 electric vehicles (EVs) annually when fully operational. The total investment in this joint venture now exceeds $4.3 billion. Hyundai Motor Group, LG Energy Solution to invest additional $2 billion in Bryan County—WTOC
MI: Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced her support for legislation aimed at making Michigan's electricity 100% carbon-free by 2034. The state currently relies heavily on coal and natural gas for its energy, with renewables making up just 13%. The proposed Senate and House bills differ in their approach, but both aim to significantly increase the share of renewables like wind and solar in the energy mix. Gov. Whitmer, in her "What’s Next Address," urged lawmakers to "enact a 100% clean energy standard for Michigan," adding, "It means clean air for our kids to breathe and safe water for them to drink. And it means protecting our lakes for generations to come." She also called for streamlining the permitting process for clean energy projects. If passed, Michigan would become the 14th state to enshrine 100% clean-energy goals into law. Gretchen Whitmer Throws Weight Behind Push For 100% Carbon-Free Power—Yahoo News
NM: Singapore-based Maxeon Solar Technologies has announced plans to build a large solar panel manufacturing plant in Albuquerque, New Mexico, pending U.S. Department of Energy loan approval. The facility is expected to employ around 1,800 people and will produce photovoltaic solar panels for residential, commercial, and utility-scale use. The plant aims to be the largest of its kind in the U.S., with the capacity to produce panels that can generate three gigawatts of electricity annually, enough to power approximately 460,000 U.S. homes. New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham highlighted that the proposed plant is a result of public investments in clean energy, made possible by the 2022 U.S. Inflation Reduction Act and state-level programs. Maxeon, which spun off from SunPower Corp in 2020, plans to invest at least $1 billion in the construction of the facility. Singapore solar company plans major US manufacturing plant in New Mexico, pending federal loan—AP
WV: West Virginia Governor Jim Justice announced a partnership with Fidelis New Energy to build a carbon-neutral hydrogen production facility in Mason County. The facility aims to create 4,200 construction jobs and 800 permanent positions. The hydrogen produced will be used in various sectors including data centers, transportation, and steel production. Fidelis will also construct the Monarch Cloud Campus as part of a $2 billion investment. Gov. Justice stated, "West Virginia has a long history as an energy powerhouse... And now, we’re in a great position to make the most of a new fuel – hydrogen." The project will be executed in four phases, with operations expected to commence in 2028. Carbon-neutral hydrogen production facility to be built in Mason County—WOWK
National
The U.S. Energy Department has allocated $2 billion in grants and $10 billion in loans to help auto companies transition from gas-powered to electric and hybrid vehicles. This funding, part of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, aims to preserve jobs in auto-centric communities and mitigate strike threats from the United Auto Workers (UAW) union. Money would help existing facilities convert to EV manufacturing, addressing concerns from unions that the shift to electric vehicles might leave behind auto-manufacturing communities. President Biden stated that this move creates a "win-win opportunity" for both the auto industry and unionized workers. The announcement comes as the UAW has been reluctant to endorse Biden's re-election bid due to concerns about job losses in the transition to electric vehicles. The administration also plans to offer an additional $3.5 billion in grants by year-end for expanding electric vehicle battery production. The funding and regulatory moves are part of Biden's broader climate agenda, aimed at reducing the U.S.'s greenhouse gas emissions, of which transportation contributes about one-third. Energy Dept. Announces $12 Billion to Help Factories Convert to Electric Cars—NY Times