Kentucky, Argonne partner to help build domestic battery industry

Jun 1, 2009 12:00 PM

The Commonwealth of Kentucky, the University of Kentucky (UK) and University of Louisville (U of L) are partnering with Argonne National Laboratory to establish a national Battery Manufacturing R&D Center. The partnership hopes to develop and deploy a domestic supply of advanced battery technologies for vehicle applications that will aid in securing U.S. energy independence, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help to strengthen the economy.

The Center's major goals are: supporting the development of a viable U.S. battery manufacturing industry; facilitating collaboration between federal labs, universities, manufacturers, and suppliers; developing advanced manufacturing technology to reduce advanced battery production costs; and accelerating the commercialization of technologies developed at national laboratories and universities.

The formation of the Center has been endorsed by Ford Motor Company as well as battery manufacturers, including those in the recently formed National Alliance for Advanced Transportation Battery Cell Manufacturers, organized to produce advanced Li-ion battery cells for transportation applications in the United States. The center will be located in central Kentucky to leverage the expertise and research facilities at the UK and the U of L. Complementary R&D capabilities and facilities will also be located at Argonne.

The Center may be eligible to receive funding from the Commonwealth of Kentucky through bonds, research tax credits and other incentive programs for future spin-off companies. The Kentucky universities will contribute land, buildings, donor funds, R&D grants funds and “Bucks for Brains” researchers.

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