By Ovunc Kutlu
ISTANBUL (AA) - The Biden administration announced Friday more than $3 billion in grants for 25 selected projects in 14 states to increase domestic production of advanced batteries and battery materials nationwide.
It is part of the president's clean energy industrial strategy to bolster a domestic supply chain that enhances the nation's energy security and economic competitiveness, the Energy Department said in a statement.
The selected projects are estimated to support more than 8,000 construction jobs and over 4,000 operating jobs, it added.
The projects will retrofit, expand and build new domestic facilities for battery-grade processed critical minerals, battery components, battery manufacturing and recycling, it said.
The agency noted that batteries are critical to strengthening the US grid, powering homes and businesses, and supporting the electrification of the transportation sector.
"By positioning the U.S. at the forefront of advanced battery manufacturing, we are creating high-paying jobs and strengthening our global economic leadership and domestic energy security, all while supporting the clean energy transition," said Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm.
John Podesta, senior advisor to President Joe Biden for International Climate Policy, said the administration is using "every available tool" for the supply chain of electric vehicles and batteries, for the benefit of national security and economy.
The US private sector has made a $120 billion investment in the electric vehicle supply chain under the Biden administration, according to the agency.