DOE Opens USD 237 Million Grid SCALED Funding for Domestic Supply Chains

The U.S. Department of Energy is advancing USD 237 million to boost domestic manufacturing of critical electric-grid components, according to T&D World. The agency expects the funding to generate roughly USD 125 million in annual utility savings.

The money, offered through DOE's Grid Supply Chain Alternatives to Lead Energy Dominance (Grid SCALED) program, splits across two areas. Up to USD 50 million will go to U.S. projects that promote greater refurbishment and reuse of existing grid equipment and materials, T&D World reported.

A second tranche of up to USD 187 million will fund projects that scale up the use of alternative materials and subcomponents sourced and made domestically, reducing dependence on foreign supply chains, according to T&D World.

The push aligns with a domestic manufacturing shift already underway among battery makers. Zinc-battery maker Eos Energy Enterprises employs more than 800 people in the Pittsburgh region, according to the Washington Examiner.

The company operates a second plant in northern Allegheny County and has moved its headquarters from New Jersey to Pittsburgh, the Washington Examiner reported.

Eos turns raw materials into complete battery systems under one roof using a predominantly domestic supply chain, according to the Washington Examiner.