US DOE Chooses Mitra Chem for $100 Million Grant to Support Domestic Battery Manufacturing

In a major advancement for the United States' clean energy sector, the Department of Energy (DOE) has collaborated with Michigan's Competitiveness Fund to grant Mitra Chem up to $125 million for its innovative battery materials projects. This funding, complemented by additional support from Michigan, will enable Mitra Chem to establish a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Muskegon, Michigan. This facility will become the first mass production site for lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathodes in North America, creating a domestic supply chain that fortifies U.S. national security and boosts local employment.

Mitra Chem's initiative, named the American Production of Lithium Iron Phosphate and Future Innovation (AmPLIFI) project, aims to develop a strong domestic electric vehicle (EV) battery supply chain that is cleaner, safer, more affordable, and independent of Chinese influence. This grant aligns with the objectives of the Inflation Reduction Act and represents a crucial advancement for the U.S. in becoming a global leader in battery manufacturing for electric vehicles, energy storage systems, and defense applications.

The project will be bolstered by a partnership with Sun Chemical, leveraging its century-long expertise in advanced particle engineering and manufacturing efficiency. "This award selection signifies a pivotal moment for the U.S. battery sector," stated Mitra Chem CEO Vivas Kumar. He emphasized that establishing advanced battery production domestically secures the nation's energy future and positions the U.S. at the leading edge of the global EV market. The collaboration with Sun Chemical will expedite Mitra's mission to innovate next-generation battery production.

The Muskegon facility will specialize in creating and producing advanced materials specifically designed for electric vehicles and battery storage. Mitra Chem plans to utilize its advanced acceleration platform, incorporating machine learning and automation, to enhance materials development and testing efficiency at ten times the current industry standard. This initiative is projected to generate hundreds of high-skilled jobs in the area, significantly advancing the clean energy sector.

Russell Schwartz, CTO of Sun Chemical, noted that the collaboration marries advanced materials expertise with large-scale chemical manufacturing capabilities. He believes that combining Mitra Chem's pioneering battery technology with Sun Chemical's manufacturing experience will set new benchmarks in innovation for cathode active materials.

Moreover, the project promises substantial national security and environmental benefits, as currently, all battery-grade iron phosphate and lithium iron phosphate are sourced internationally, predominantly from China. By localizing production, this initiative seeks to mitigate U.S. dependence on unstable global supply chains. By 2027, Mitra Chem plans to nearly double the nation's LFP production capacity, aiming for 15,000 tonnes annually, and further increase to 30,000 tonnes thereafter, thereby significantly enhancing America’s clean energy capabilities.