Sep 23, 2024

Awards $200M to Group14 Technologies Group14 Technologies has been selected by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for an award negotiation of up to $200 million. This funding aims to construct a factory in Washington state that will produce 7,200 metric tons of silane gas annually, a crucial material for silicon battery production. This initiative is part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and seeks to strengthen the U.S. battery supply chain for electric vehicles (EVs) and the electrical grid. The project will also create hundreds of jobs and reduce reliance on foreign sources, primarily from China. Key Highlights: Group14 Technologies was selected for a DOE award negotiation of up to $200 million. This is the second DOE grant for the company, following a $100 million award in 2022. The new factory in Washington state will have an annual production capacity of 7,200 metric tons of silane gas. Silane gas is a critical material for silicon-based batteries, with China being the largest global supplier. The project is expected to create over 300 construction jobs and retain 150 operational jobs. The facility will reduce U.S. dependency on foreign silane gas and support domestic EV battery production. Group14’s existing BAM-1 and upcoming BAM-2 factories will further position the company as a leader in advanced silicon battery materials. Group14 CEO Rick Luebbe emphasized the importance of boosting domestic silane production, stating: “The largest global source of silane today is China, so the supply of silane gas in the U.S. must be increased to secure the U.S. silicon battery industry.” The company aims to reduce dependency on foreign suppliers by setting up this facility, which will directly feed other U.S. battery manufacturers. The project not only supports the nation’s clean energy goals but also addresses a critical supply chain issue. Manufacturing large-scale commercial volumes of silicon battery materials in the U.S. hinges on a stable and domestic source of silane gas. By leveraging its proprietary technology, Group14 will be able to reduce the cost and energy requirements for silane production compared to traditional methods. In addition to its strategic significance for the U.S. battery supply chain, the new facility is expected to generate significant economic benefits. Over 300 jobs will be created during the construction phase, and 150 jobs will be retained for commissioning and operating the plant. Group14 has been expanding its operations globally, with its BAM-1 factory already producing battery materials at a commercial scale since 2021. The upcoming BAM-2 factory in Moses Lake, Washington, is set to become the world’s largest production site for advanced silicon battery materials. When fully operational, it will have an annual capacity of 4,000 tons of silicon battery material, equivalent to 20 GWh of battery production. This award represents a significant step forward in ensuring the U.S. can meet the growing demand for silicon-based batteries, particularly as the nation transitions to more sustainable energy sources and increases electric vehicle adoption.