Chicago, 15 February 2023 – Li-Bridge, a public-private alliance representing the U.S. battery ecosystem, convened by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and managed by Argonne National Laboratory, released today an action plan to accelerate the creation of a robust domestic manufacturing base and comprehensive supply chain for lithium-based batteries.

Key recommendations in the Li-Bridge report include a buying consortium for raw energy materials, a system of shared pilot lines to speed the commercialization of new battery technologies, significant additional investment in battery industry workforce training, and permitting reform. (Image by Shutterstock/hxdyl.)

The Li-Bridge report — ​“Building a Robust and Resilient U.S. Lithium Battery Supply Chain” — includes 26 recommended actions to bolster the domestic lithium battery industry. Underscoring the need to stabilize policy and spur investment, key recommendations in the report include a buying consortium for raw energy materials, a system of shared pilot lines to speed the commercialization of new battery technologies, significant additional investment in battery industry workforce training, and permitting reform.

The report complements a series of recent government initiatives designed to strengthen the country’s battery and semiconductor industries including the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law or BIL) and the CHIPS and Science Act, which together represent some of the most significant industrial policy initiatives in U.S. history.

“The Biden-Harris administration investments in battery manufacturing and supply chain have set our country on a path towards a transportation system that provides cleaner and more accessible mobility options, provides good-paying jobs for American workers, and secures our national energy independence,” said Deputy U.S. Energy Secretary David M. Turk. ​“The public-private partnerships described in this report will be crucial to realizing that safer, cleaner future that will benefit generations of Americans to come.”

Announced in October 2021 by DOE and Argonne, Li-Bridge is spearheaded by three industry trade groups — NAATBatt International, the New York Battery and Energy Storage Technology (NY-BESTTM) Consortium, and New Energy Nexus — with active involvement from DOE national labs and Boston Consulting Group. The first collaboration of its kind in the U.S. battery industry, Li-Bridge’s report is a result of collaboration of more than 40 companies, spanning market leaders and startups across the automotive, advanced battery, mining and chemical, and electric utility sectors. Those organizations collectively employ more than 1.2 million people and generate approximately $900 billion in annual revenues.

“This report provides key insights and solutions toward the goal of establishing a resilient domestic manufacturing base and supply chain for batteries, summarizing in-depth discussions between private industry, DOE’s national labs, and federal partners,” said Argonne Laboratory Director Paul Kearns. ​“As the Li-Bridge facilitator between private industry and the Federal Consortium for Advanced Batteries, Argonne believes adoption of the report’s recommended actions can set the nation on a path for battery manufacturing and supply chain success.”

Fueled by exponential demand, lithium-based batteries and the devices they power are major contributors to economic growth in the 21st century on par with semiconductors. According to the report, if the U.S. cannot establish a secure and stable supply chain for lithium battery technology within its borders, other countries will enjoy the economic growth and job creation that lithium battery technology will create. Today, about 76% of lithium battery cells and the large majority of cell components are made in China (source).

Lithium-based batteries are also critical for achieving U.S. climate objectives. The report states that without reliable access to lithium battery technology, the U.S. has no chance of meeting its 2050 net-zero carbon emissions goal or ensuring an inclusive and socially responsible industry. With U.S. defense applications increasingly dependent on lithium-based batteries, the report warns of the national security risks in relying on batteries and battery components made abroad.

According to the report, the U.S. will not achieve complete lithium battery supply chain independence by 2030, but it estimates the country can capture 60% of the economic value consumed by domestic demand for lithium batteries by that year, generating $33 billion in revenues and creating 100,000 jobs.

“Although we are starting to see activity in the domestic battery manufacturing sector thanks in large part to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the IRA, U.S. industry is still 10 to 20 years behind Asia, and about five years behind Europe, in commercializing manufacturing of this critical technology,” said James Greenberger, executive director at NAATBatt International. ​“The electrochemical storage of electricity will be as important a technology to the economy of the 21st century as the semiconductor chip has been.”

“Battery technologies are essential to achieving a clean energy future, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, and protecting our climate. From enabling renewable energy and providing reliability and resilience for our electric grid to powering our future electrified transportation systems, batteries are at the center of the clean energy transition,” said Dr. William Acker, Executive Director of NY-BEST. ​“By moving forward aggressively with the recommendations Li-Bridge is advancing today, the U.S. will be well positioned to unlock the benefits batteries can provide to improve our environment and our economy.”

“Reshoring supply chains reduces environmental footprints and builds social resilience during the energy shocks we’re facing this decade,” said Danny Kennedy, CEO at New Energy Nexus. ​“We have dozens of start-ups with American-made solutions ready to build an electric future here and abroad with better batteries. The IRA, CHIPS Act, and related industrial policy efforts now need to be augmented with a focus on practical steps, such as pilot lines and workforce training, to ensure we’re including people across the country in this opportunity.”

About NAATBatt International

NAATBatt International is the North American trade association for advanced battery technology. NAATBatt’s mission is to promote the development, commercialization, and manufacture of advanced electrochemical energy storage in North America consistent with the goals of enhancing energy efficiency, reducing fossil fuel dependence, and enabling carbon-free electricity generation. NAATBatt International consists of 270 corporate and research institution members in North America. For more information, please visit www​.naat​batt​.org.

About NY-BEST

The New York Battery and Energy Storage Technology (NY-BEST) Consortium is a non-profit corporation and industry-led consortium with more than 175 organizational members. NY-BEST’s mission is to catalyze and grow the energy storage industry and establish New York State as a global leader in the energy storage industry. Visit us on the web at www​.ny​-best​.org.

London, 6 October 2022 – Audible, a world-wide leader of spoken-word entertainment, has today announced the return of Climate of Change with Cate Blanchett and Danny Kennedy (CEO of New Energy Nexus), as the long-term friends explore anxiety and optimism in the face of the climate crisis for a second series, launched today.

The podcast follows the pair – award-winning actor, producer and environmental advocate, Cate Blanchett and climate entrepreneur and activist, Danny Kennedy – as they speak directly to visionaries and trendsetters who are making innovative strides to turn the tide on climate change.

Across six new episodes, the duo delves into a fresh round of eye-opening topics, with Series 2 travelling to a Jordanian refugee camp where its first solar plant is revolutionising the lives of its inhabitants, to Delhi, where electric rickshaws are dramatically reducing the bustling city’s pollution, and to Northern Australia, where indigenous know-how is transforming fire management.

Following hot on the heels of the first series that welcomed HRH The Prince of Wales, former President of Ireland Mary Robinson and director Adam McKay, Series 2 will welcome renowned special guests* such as the diplomat and climate change leader Christiana Figures, environmentalist and activist Bill McKibben, anthropologist Tim Ingold and author Lucy Siegle (Turning the Tide on Plastic), alongside people on the ground who are transforming lives through their innovations.

Co-hosts and co-creators of Climate of Change, Cate Blanchett and Danny Kennedy, said: “So much has happened since we first recorded the first season of Climate of Change, but what remains consistent is the relentless march of clean energy solutions. Nearly US$1 trillion has now been invested in climate tech and the clean energy transition, and one of the challenges will be making sure that the 770 million people without electricity are not left out of this transition. That’s why we need more innovators from all corners of the world to be part of this movement. From Uganda to Australia, this season of Climate of Change will fill you with hope that it’s possible and point you in the direction we need to move the world towards.”

Those captivated by the podcast may be interested to hear that companion podcast, Reflections on Change, is also available now. Featuring compositions originally created as the soundtrack to Series 1 of Climate of Change, Reflections on Change takes wildlife and environmental sounds hand-picked by filmmaker and biologist Dan O’Neill and turns them into a musical landscape through the skilled hands of Grammy award winner Imogen Heap.

Reflections on Change carries an impactful message and hopes to provide an immersive space for audiophiles to do just that – reflect – as its creators compel audiences to appreciate the variety and magnificence of the environmental sounds at risk from climate change.

Both Audible Originals, Climate of Change with Cate Blanchett and Danny Kennedy Series 2 and Reflections on Change are available from Thursday 6th October, exclusively on Audible.* See full list of contributors to Series 2 in the notes to Editors.

— ENDS —

For further information please contact:

Camilla Mosley, for Audible cammosc@audible.co.uk

Climate of Change with Cate Blanchett and Danny Kennedy Episode Descriptions

Episode 1: In a “Persistence of Positivity” Canny and Cate hear from Christiana Figueres on why she is a “stubborn optimist”, anthropologist Tim Ingold on how everything is connected, and we go to Northern Australia to hear how indigenous know-how is transforming fire management.

Episode 2: In ‘A Mayhem of Cars’ Danny discovers he is rather good at imitating the sound of a horse while Cate consults her book on collective nouns for inspiration as the duo delve into the world of transport and look at how we are going to be getting around in the future. They find out about electric rickshaws in Delhi and all about India’s first solar ferry. How parents and school kids in Barcelona are taking over the streets and they discover the first city in the world where all the public transport is already electric.

Episode 3: In ‘Fire in a Wire’ Cate and Danny discover how simple and straightforward it can be to provide clean, green energy to everyone. In Nigeria the answer is to use solar and batteries to power generators. Another innovator is helping remote communities in Cambodia who aren’t even connected to the grid. And the first solar plant is built in a refugee camp in Jordan revolutionizing the lives of those now living there.

Episode 4: In ‘The Buffalo in the Room’ Cate and Danny address the climate question that nobody ever seems to talk about – how do we pay for the fossil free future we need today? The answers are surprising. Professor Eric Beinhocker explains why we could all be richer

if we switch quickly. Find out how to own your own wind farm and how small loans can create huge change.

Episode 5: One word can really cause Cate to explode in fury – plastic. We find out how to tackle the scourge of the planet and how decreasing plastic production would also dramatically reduce emissions from fossil fuels. Two big problems with some very clever solutions. Refill deliveries from Chilean start-up Algramo, Econyl fabric made from the nylon nets and fishing gear left in our oceans and two activists on a mission to stop cucumbers or anything else being wrapped in pointless plastic.

Episode 6: ‘Is Anyone Listening’ is the final episode and Cate and Danny are on fire. Leading activist Bill McKibben gives us reasons to hope in dark times, Professor Saleemul Huq offers proof that we can adapt to a changing climate from Bangladesh and Oluwadabira Abiole-Awe brings positive energy and innovation from the youth movement now working on climate solutions. All the hope you can handle in real world technicolour… hopefully.

Climate of Change series 2 guest list and contributors:

• Christiana Figueres – Diplomat, climate change leader and member of the Earthshot Committee – Costa Rica
• Tim Ingold – Social anthropologist – Aberdeen
• Dean Yibarbuk – Warddeken Land Management, helps develop and deliver carbon projects through savanna fire management – Northern Australia
• Terrah Guymala – Ranger with Wardekken Land Management – Northern Australia
• Shaun Ansell – CEO of Wardekken Land Management– Northern Australia
• Anna Boustead – coordinator of the Indigenous Carbon Industry Network
• Mireia Boix – co- founder of Bicibus the “Bike Bus”- Barcelona
• Silvia Valero – expert in sustainable mobility with Barcelona Metropolitan government
• Rupinder Singh – drives e-rickshaw – Delhi
• Palash Roy Chowdhury – SmartE co-founder/MD electrifying India’s iconic three-wheeler
• Sandith Thandassery – founder/CEO of NavAlt solar/electric boats – Kochi
• Mia Gu – works at BYD in Shenzhen where all public transport are EVs (16,000 buses, 22,000 Taxis) – China
• Ugwem Eneyo – Engineer, inventor, and entrepreneur at Shyft Power – Nigeria
• Rebekah Shirley – Director of Research, data & innovation, at World Resource Institute – Sub Saharan Africa
• Afnan Hannan – delivering electricity to rural households with Okra Solar – Cambodia
• Andrew Harper – UNHCR Special Advisor Climate Action
• Dave Mozersky – Energy Peace Partners, energy credits support those affected by climate
• Professor Eric Beinhocker – Professor of Public Policy Practice, University of Oxford
• Sarah Merrick – CEO Ripple Energy – Wales
• Simon Peltonberg – Chief Project Office, Ripple Energy – Wales
• Mackline Banaga – incubator and accelerator for sustainable clean energy enterprises at New Energy Nexus – Uganda
• Rosemary Nakasanga – Women’s Support Initiative assisting women with microfinance
• Lucy Siegle – Author of ‘Turning the Tide on Plastic’
• Delphine Levi Alvares – Explains how plastic impacts climate at every level from production to disposal
• Guilio Bonazzi – CEO of Econyl that use regenerated nylon made entirely from ocean and landfill waste – Italy
• Fred Nunn – Volunteer diver at Ghostfishing – UK
• Jose Manuel Moller – Algramo CEO creating a refillable solution for all our basics groceries – Chile
• Cristobal Underraga – demonstrates Algarmo delivery system – Chile.
• Bill McKibben – author, educator, environmentalist written extensively on the impact of global warming and Co-founder of 350.org
• David Harland – Eden Project CEO innovating tech promote biodiversity and
  Education – UK
• Gus Grand – Eden GeoThermal Executive Director a company trailing tech to heat and power the biomes – UK
• Professor Saleemul Huq – Director of the International Centre for Climate Change & Development – Bangladesh
• Qasa Alom – BBC Asian Network Correspondent – UK
• Oluwadabira Abiola-Awe – Student Energy representative discussing the energy of the global youth movement.

About Audible

Audible, an Amazon company, is a leading creator and provider of premium audio storytelling, offering customers a new way to enhance and enrich their lives every day.  Audible.co.uk content includes more than 700,000 audiobooks, podcasts, and Audible Originals. Audible has millions of members around the world who subscribe to one of 10 localised services designed for customers in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Spain, the UK, and the US. Audible members download nearly 4 billion hours of content annually and listen across a wide range of supported devices.

About Cate Blanchett

Cate Blanchett is an internationally acclaimed, Academy award-winning actor, producer, artistic director, and humanitarian. She is a Global Goodwill Ambassador for UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and a lifetime member of the Australian Conservation Foundation. Blanchett is also a strong supporter of the Australian Wildlife Conservancy and received a Crystal Award at the World Economic Forum in Davos for her work with UNHCR. In 2012, Blanchett was awarded the Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French Minister of Culture. She has presided over the festival juries in Cannes (2018) and Venice (2020). She has received Honorary Doctorates of Letters from the University of New South Wales, the University of Sydney, and Macquarie University as well as the Companion of the Order of Australia in the General Division in recognition of her continued advocacy for the arts as well as humanitarian and environmental causes. Blanchett plays the titular role and executive produces Todd Field’s highly anticipated feature film “TÁR,” which marks the writer-director-producer’s first film in over 15 years. This fall, Blanchett will appear in Guillermo Del Toro’s latest film, “PINOCCHIO,” and the mockumentary hit series “Documentary Now!” She will also begin production in Australia on Warwick Thornton’s “The New Boy,” in which she stars and produces via her production company Dirty Films. She most recently wrapped production on “Disclaimer,” directed by Alfonso Cuaron, in which she also stars and executive produces.

About Danny Kennedy 

Danny Kennedy is the CEO of New Energy Nexus (NEX), the world’s leading ecosystem of funds and accelerators supporting clean energy entrepreneurs. NEX started in Silicon Valley and now runs programs in Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Uganda, and the USA. Since 2004, it has accelerated over 600 clean energy startups, supported over 3000 entrepreneurs, and mobilised over US$1.5 billion in investment. Danny is also an advisor to clean energy companies in Australia, China, Kenya, the Philippines, USA and elsewhere. Danny co-founded Sungevity, a solar pioneer in 2007, was the first backer of a now US$6 billion solar loan provider Mosaic in 2011, as well as an author of a book on rooftop solar. He speaks regularly to media and at major conferences and is co-host of a forthcoming podcast on Audible.

New program will be essential in meeting New York State’s goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 85 Percent by 2050

New York, October 4, 2022 — The Clean Fight today announced that it has been named the program administrator of the $10 million Empire Technology Prize (ETP) program by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). The Clean Fight will lead the management and co-creation of the Empire Technology Prize, a challenge focused on advancing the decarbonization of tall buildings across New York State, working in partnership with RMI, an independent nonprofit dedicated to transforming global energy systems through market-driven solutions. The team will select a flagship partner to co-fund and co-present the prize, and with NYSERDA collectively create a blueprint for decarbonizing cold-climate buildings around the world.

New York city skyline (Manhattan)

Focusing on New York’s buildings, which are the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in New York State and are responsible for one third of annual emissions statewide, the program will identify, support, and scale the best high-growth solutions to help achieve carbon-neutrality in existing multifamily buildings at least seven stories high or commercial buildings at least 15 stories high. The prize will be a combination of business acceleration support and $10 million in monetary awards to advance low carbon retrofit approaches that will help rapidly achieve New York State’s nation-leading climate agenda.

“At NYSERDA, we are dedicated to working with global innovators to advance Governor Hochul’s ambitious building decarbonization goals in alignment with New York’s Climate Act,” said John Lochner, Vice President of Innovation at NYSERDA. “We look forward to collaborating with The Clean Fight as we launch the Empire Technology Prize, a program we’re confident will accelerate innovation and give entrepreneurs yet another reason to grow and scale their ventures in New York State.”

“Buildings are responsible for approximately a third of global greenhouse house gas emissions. If we don’t decarbonize buildings, we don’t solve the climate crisis. And where better to start than in New York,” said The Clean Fight Managing Director Kate Frucher. “We are proud to serve as the program administrator and partner with RMI on this necessarily bold and ambitious initiative from NYSERDA that has the potential to radically and equitably enhance the sustainability and resilience of New York’s real estate infrastructure, at speed.”

Critical to the success of the program is ensuring the prize is focused on solutions that meet gaps in the market with the greatest demand and emissions impact. The program will build on the market insight from the successful Empire Building Challenge, a public-private partnership designed to accelerate economic growth through the resource efficient decarbonization of tall buildings. The team will also be soliciting insight from the real estate and investment community to identify the most impactful areas of focus. To share your opinion, please visit www.thecleanfight.com/etp

“Achieving New York’s ambitious energy and climate goals requires massive decarbonization of tall and complex buildings that are a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. NYSERDA’s Empire Technology Prize will jumpstart the market for Resource Efficient Decarbonization solutions and help rapidly and equitably scale integrative energy-saving technologies and services, drawing from both global state-of-the-art innovations and from homegrown entrepreneurship. RMI is thrilled to support NYSERDA and The Clean Fight in writing the next chapter of our combined history of innovative programs, prizes and accelerators and solve one of the most important climate challenges of our time.” said Stephanie Greene, Managing Director of Carbon-Free Buildings, RMI.

The Clean Fight was selected through a competitive application request. Proposals were evaluated on the basis of the applicant’s past track record of creating successful corporate challenges with activities including global recruitment, industry-focused convening, business acceleration support, strategic partnership facilitation, and leveraging private dollars.

The Empire Technology Prize program is supported through NYSERDA’s Innovation program which helps early-stage companies with technical assistance and business development resources through entrepreneurial support, and manufacturing scale-up. Applications to participate in the prize program will open in 2023.

Learn more about Empire Technology Prize at thecleanfight.com/etp, or contact Molly Dee-Ramasamy, technical consultant for the Empire Technology Prize program, at molly.deeramasamy@nyserda.ny.gov.

If you’re interested in learning more about becoming a flagship partner or partnership opportunities, contact Sagal Abshir: Sagal@thecleanfight.com

About The Clean Fight

The Clean Fight is a not-for-profit climate tech organization, powered by New Energy Nexus, designed to help the world’s best growth-stage startups significantly scale their business in New York State, while boosting economic opportunity and job creation for all. The core accelerator program is supported by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and an EPIC award grant from the Department of Energy. The Clean Fight is also a member of the winning coalition New Energy New York, who were awarded $113M as part of the Biden Administration’s Build Back Better Regional Challenge. www.thecleanfight.com

About RMI

RMI is an independent nonprofit founded in 1982 that transforms global energy systems through market-driven solutions to align with a 1.5°C future and secure a clean, prosperous, zero-carbon future for all. We work in the world’s most critical geographies and engage businesses, policymakers, communities, and NGOs to identify and scale energy system interventions that will cut greenhouse gas emissions at least 50 percent by 2030. RMI has offices in Basalt and Boulder, Colorado; New York City; Oakland, California; Washington, D.C.; and Beijing. www.rmi.org

Media Contact

Phil Chinitz

BerlinRosen

cleanfight@berlinrosen.com

Sydney, 28 September 2022 – Supercharge Australia, a new initiative that aims to develop an ecosystem in Australia to support lithium battery innovation and capture more of the lithium value chain, launches today, backed by Boundless. This follows the recent Clean Energy Demand Initiative between the US and Australia, which aims to unlock  to unlock up to $US2.8 billion in funding for Australia’s clean energy sector, and the Australia–United States Net-Zero Technology Acceleration Partnership signed in July 2022. 

EnergyLab’s Megan Fisher (left) and NEX’s Danny Kennedy (right). Image: EnergyLab

Supercharge Australia is the first initiative of the recently announced partnership between global clean energy startup accelerator New Energy Nexus, and Australia and New Zealand’s largest climate tech startup accelerator EnergyLab.

Despite producing almost 60% of the world’s lithium, Australia retains less than 1% of the US$200 billion and rising annual product value, with 98% of the lithium mined in Australia being refined overseas.

“Australia can become a leader in lithium battery technology, from sourcing to advanced battery and EV manufacturing, and capture massive market opportunities as the world electrifies. But to do this, we need much more activity across all phases of the lithium battery value chain, and this requires more investment and more startups to meet the innovation challenge,” said Kirk McDonald, Project Manager of Supercharge Australia.

Supercharge Australia will bring the industry together to understand where innovation is required and leverage New Energy Nexus’ global expertise, including its role in the US Department of Energy’s Lithium Bridge project to accelerate the development of a robust and secure domestic supply chain for lithium-based batteries. EnergyLab’s Australian cleantech startup ecosystem experience and connections will be applied to establish a lithium battery  innovation challenge in early 2023, and to support Australian startups with expansion to international markets. Another critical element is ensuring Australia builds equity into the innovation ecosystem – recruiting diverse entrepreneurs and ensuring benefits flow to impacted communities and those traditionally excluded from the fossil fuel boom of last century.

There are already several startups in the Australian lithium battery value chain that are ready to scale [1].

Kirk McDonald, Project Manager for Supercharge Australia at the Battery GigaFactories APAC conference in Perth, Australia.

Roev is focused on providing energy-smart electric utes to Australia, with fully integrated conversions today and a locally built electric ute in the future. We support the work of Supercharge and see local battery supply as a key driver for sustainable growth in our business and the broader EV industry in Australia,” said Noah Wasmer, CEO of Roev. 

“EnergyLab has supported startups focused on clean energy and climate tech since 2017, Supercharge Australia means we can provide support and focus on the startups innovating in the lithium battery value chain. Australia is well positioned to capture the full value of the battery and electrification revolution. If you’re an aspiring founder, a startup, an investor, an expert, an industry player in this space and want to see growth supercharged then get involved,” said Megan Fisher, CEO EnergyLab.

“Supercharge will pave the groundwork for a battery manufacturing industry that Australia is well-placed to develop. An industry that can create quality jobs, income and carbon benefits for Australia,” said Eytan Lenko, CEO of Boundless.

“We call all Australian startups along the lithium battery value chain to massively grow Australia and the world’s most carbon-efficient and cost-effective lithium battery industry. If Australia can produce more throughout the lithium battery value chain, faster, cheaper, better, then that’s good news for the global climate, and Australia’s economy,” said Danny Kennedy, CEO of New Energy Nexus and Managing Director of the California Clean Energy Fund.

Kirk McDonald, Project Manager for Supercharge Australia, joined a panel session on “Aligning critical mineral supply chains with finance and government policy” at Benchmark Mineral Intelligence’s inaugural Battery Gigafactories Asia-Pacific Conference in Perth today.

Join Supercharge Australia at: energylab.org.au/programs/supercharge-australia 

About EnergyLab: 

EnergyLab is Australia and New Zealand’s largest climate tech startup accelerator and innovation network dedicated to reaching net zero emissions. With over 140 alumni supported through its programs, EnergyLab connects talented founders to the mentors, advisors, partners, peers and investors they need to succeed. EnergyLab programs include the Women in Climate and Energy Fellowship building the next generation of women founders; the Climate Solutions Accelerator; the Scale Up Program for later stage clean energy startups; and a climate focused angel investor network.

Notes to editor:

[1] Other startups in Australia in the lithium battery value chain include Calix, which has has developed a pilot plant with Pilbara Minerals to decarbonise and increase recovery efficiency of lithium salts from hard-rock ore in the Pilbara; Magnis has begun producing lithium ion battery cells in New York State and seeks to replicate their efforts with a new gigafactory in Townsville; Energy Renaissance is making Australian conditions-optimised lithium batteries in Tomago; Novalith has a novel CO2-based lithium recovery technology and Sicona a world-leading silicon graphite composite anode and polymer binder technology they are taking to the world from Wollongong; Janus Electric seeks to retrofit prime-movers and build large-scale, grid-supporting battery swap stations from their headquarters in Berkeley Vale; Sustainable Lithium Cells Australia refurbishes lithium battery packs in Brisbane removing them from the waste stream and extending their useful life; and Envirostream operates Australia’s first onshore, mixed-battery recycling facility in Laverton North.

22 September 2022, Shanghai – Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited (Towngas) launched its second TERA Award Smart Energy Innovation Competition, a global startup program aiming to help selected clean energy startups achieve commercial success.

View of the Victoria Harbour from the International Commerce Centre skyscraper in Kowloon, Hong Kong, China. (image source)

This year, the prize of the award has increased to US$1 million for the first -place winner, while runner up and third prize will receive US$100,000 and US$50,000. Up to 26 startups will also be selected to pitch for the opportunity to collaborate with Towngas on a proof-of-concept (POC) project.

Five new categories have been added to this year’s award:

• Renewable Energy: solar, wind, geothermal, biomass
• Hydrogen: production, transmission and storage, fuel cell
• Energy Storage and Conversion: electrochemical, energy conversion of mechanical energy and thermal energy
• Energy Digitisation: energy internet, virtual power plant
• Energy Saving and Carbon Reduction: energy efficiency, carbon capture, carbon utilization and carbon storage

It is New Energy Nexus’ second year partnering on the TERA Award. As global solicitation partner, New Energy Nexus is inviting startups and research groups from across the world to develop pioneering technologies and patents to support the clean energy transition.

China’s “3060” decarbonisation target inspired Towngas to establish the TERA-Award, with the aim to increase clean energy adoption and help solve sustainable development challenges.

The TERA Award application window is from September 22 to October 31, 2022. More information: www.tera-award.life

About Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited (Towngas)

Founded in 1862, The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited (Towngas) is Hong Kong’s first public utility and one of the largest energy suppliers in Hong Kong, operating with world-class corporate management and leading-edge business practices nowadays.

Expanding business horizons in recent years, Towngas have diversified the business into telecommunications, building services, engineering and new eco-energies, among many others.

Towngas made its foray into the Chinese mainland in 1994. Currently, it has more than 550 projects, including smart energy and piped city-gas projects, upstream and midstream developments, water supply and urban waste utilization projects, natural gas filling stations, as well as new energy exploration and utilization ventures, across 28 provincial regions.

For more information, please visit https://www.towngas.com/en/Home.

29 August 2022, Seoul – LG Energy Solution (LGES), in partnership with New Energy Nexus launched its second Battery Challenge (BC), a global startup program aimed to accelerate next generation battery technologies to meet the increasing demands of the energy transition.

Up to ten startups will have the opportunity to work together with LG Energy Solutions research and innovation team to implement proof of concept projects or pilots. This challenge originated from the success of the Battery Challenge in 2019, which resulted in seven finalists participating in a workshop and pitch day at LG Chem R&D Center in Daejeon and LG Chem Headquarters in Seoul respectively. Five winners received prize money.

This year the prize pool has increased to $1,000,000 total and up to ten winners will be selected, the goal is to award the startups that have the highest potential of collaboration with LGES and that have presented a strong proof-of-concept (POC) proposal.

The LGES Battery Challenge is recruiting early-stage battery startups in areas of battery materials, battery management system, battery manufacturing and quality control, battery maintenance, battery recycling and reuse technology, and newly added smart factory solutions. The program’s selection criteria will favor applicants with competitive solutions, experienced teams, customer traction and an execution ready POC proposal.

“LG Energy Solution’s has continued to pave the way for battery innovation. We are excited to be working with LGES again to help realize their ambition and most importantly supporting startups along the way,” says Andrew Chang, Program Director, New Energy Nexus.

The LGES Battery Challenge application window is from August 8 to September 16. New Energy Nexus is the manager and facilitator for this challenge.

www.lgesbatterychallenge2022.com

LG Energy Solution

LG Energy Solution is a global leader delivering advanced lithium-ion batteries for Electric Vehicles (EV), Mobility & IT applications, and Energy Storage Systems (ESS). With 30 years of experience in advanced battery technology, it continues to grow rapidly towards the realization of sustainable life. With its robust global network that spans the US, Europe, Asia, and Australia, LG Energy Solution is more committed than ever to developing innovative technologies that will bring the future energy a step closer. Under its ESG vision “We CHARGE toward a better future,” LG Energy Solution is doing its utmost to prioritize the environment, fulfill social responsibilities and shape a sustainable future.

For more information, please visit https://www.lgensol.com.

17 August 2022, Sacramento, USA – An additional US$11 million in EPIC funding was approved by the California Energy Commission to extend the term of the California Test Bed (CalTestBed) initiative into 2026, a highly successful public-private partnership led by New Energy Nexus, and implemented in partnership with the University of California Office of the President (UCOP) and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab). 

CalTestBed is supported by the California Energy Commission (CEC) with Electric Program Investment Charge (EPIC) funds. The Initiative provides early to mid-stage clean energy innovators access to world-class testing at one of more than 70 participating facilities at 9 University of California (UC) campuses and LBL. Entrepreneurs gain the opportunity to gather valuable data about their prototypes, advancing the technology’s path toward commercialization.

Vouchers of up to US$300,000 have been awarded to 40 competitively selected companies in two cohorts, and a third application submission window is open until 19 August 2022. CEC’s extension of this program allows for the funding of the third and fourth cohorts, enabling an additional 40 to 50 companies to benefit from the program. The extension will also fund ancillary program activities such as a national symposia.

Companies participating in the program have been applauded for substantial successes. A conservative accounting of CalTestBed’s cohort one companies shows nearly US$300 million in follow-on funding, and the creation of nearly 250 new jobs. Such achievements are attributable to the excellence of the clean energy innovations, the grit and determination of the founders, and a robust pipeline of support from the ecosystem of accelerators and incubators, research facilities and strategic programs such as CalSEED, CalTestBed, BRIDGE and RAMP curated by the CEC with EPIC funds.

Molly O’Hagan, the CEC contracts and agreements manager for CalTestBed, presented the case for approving the CalTestBed extension. She highlighted the program benefits to California ratepayers which include accelerating commercialization for clean energy technologies, lowering technology costs, and supporting economic development. She also mentioned the Entrepreneur Directory, CalTestBed Facilities Directory, and national CalTestBed symposia as valuable resources produced from this effort.

Tenley Dalstrom, Director of the CalTestBed program, spoke in support of the extension stating that the implementation team has “expanded the number of lab facilities available from 28 at the program’s inception to 73 at present. The program is providing significant benefits for our voucher recipient companies, California ratepayers, and is contributing to the state’s goals of furthering a just transition to a clean energy economy.”

Randi Jenkins, speaking on behalf of UCOP and the participating UC campuses, stated that CalTestBed is “accelerating some of California’s most promising early-stage clean energy technologies on the pathway to successful commercialization” in addition to “optimizing the efficient use of sought-after equipment and specialized facilities at our campuses” and “providing opportunities to graduate students to gain practical testing experience and interface with flourishing entrepreneurs.”

This illustrates the “win-win” outcome of this public-private partnership: the largest public university system in the world advancing the goals of the leading state agency in climate change mitigation while promoting individual small businesses and simultaneously providing training and education to the future workforce.

Alecia Ward, a representative of Berkeley Lab, noted that the team that developed and implemented the CalTestBed Program received the 2021 Outstanding Partnership Award from the Far West Region of the Federal Laboratory Consortium for Technology Transfer (FLC). She concluded her remarks by saying “CalTestBed, and the CEC’s leadership in building out this clean energy ecosystem, advances federal clean energy goals and Berkeley Lab supports the full cost extension of the program.”

The CalTestBed Initiative has garnered both national and international attention for its effectiveness, structure, and intention of accelerating clean energy innovations to the marketplace while maximizing the environmental, economic, and social impacts for communities throughout the state.

Applications are currently open until 19 August for CalTestBed’s third cohort. Information and the application link can be found at www.calstestbed.com

30 June 2022, Chengdu, China – The 2022 EXCEL Accelerator was launched today with the announcement of 16 innovative clean energy startups in the third cohort. These startups were selected across various fields including clean energy technology, energy internet and energy finance. Over the next four months, they will receive support through pilot projects, access to priority investment lists, overseas market expansion and media exposure.

LIU Yi, Deputy Dean of Sichuan Energy Internet Research Institute Tsinghua University, gave a comprehensive introduction to the EXCEL Accelerator, pointing out that this program is committed to providing support for growth-stage startups to refine key areas of their innovation, through industry-specific matchmaking, specialized training, mentorship, investment assessment and overseas platform promotion. The program will  empower enterprises to “accelerate” so they can better contribute to the energy transition and decarbonization.

The program was co-hosted by Sichuan Tianfu New Area National Dual Innovation Demonstration Base and Sichuan Energy Internet Research Institute, Tsinghua University, co-organized by Sichuan Tianfu New Area Science and Technology Innovation Service Center, Energy Internet Innovation and Entrepreneur Center, and New Energy Nexus.

The online event that marked the launch of the accelerator attracted over 100 participants and was also live streamed to over 700 people. Guests and investors shared their views on China’s “Dual-Carbon” goal (carbon peak by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060).

LU Zongxiang, Executive Deputy Dean of Sichuan Energy Internet Research Institute Tsinghua University, said that carbon neutrality is driven by both external and internal factors: the external factor comes from the development of low carbon society and strategic transformation, while the internal factor comes from the evolution of the energy and power landscape.

ZHANG Yongjie, Chief Researcher of the Central Research Institute of China Baowu Steel Group Corporation, pointed out that steel is the “engine” of the green economy and the steel industry should shift focus to green energy research and development, and “green energy” in order to realize the “Dual-Carbon” goals.

LIU Yi, Deputy Dean of Sichuan Energy Internet Research Institute Tsinghua University, speaking (online) at the event.

Our other guest speakers at the event were:

• HU Jin, Director of Energy and Public Entities of Amazon Web Services
• CHEN Rui, Co-CIO and Managing Director of Legend Capital
• LIU Zhihai, Former President of IDG Energy Investment
• DING Yiting, Executive Director of InnoAngel Fund
• REN Qi, Investment Director of Shell Ventures
• LIU Houguang, Investment Director of Oriental Fortune Capital (OFC)

Cohort Announcement

The EXCEL Accelerator program has successfully completed three years. Here are the finalists of the 2022 EXCEL Accelerator Cohort 3:

1. BigDataFinTech (Big Data Solution)
2. OriSense (MEMS, Sensor)
3. Know Carbon (Blockchain, SaaS)
4. Phengine Technology (Edge Computing, AI)
5. Macro AI Technology (3D Vision)
6. Dayu DPU Technology (DPU, Cloud Computing)
7. MetaStar Technology (PaaS, Digital Twin)
8. Eahon Technology (Carbon Asset Management)
9. Blue Future (FOS, COD)
10. Troowin Power System Technology (Hydrogen Fuel Cell)
11. TerraQuanta (Remote Sensing, Big Data, AI)
12. Syitsing Energy Technology (Energy Storage Safety, SaaS)
13. Deep Sensing Technology (Industry Internet, Sensor)
14. Sinwt Science&Technology (AE Sensor, AI)
15. Senle Environment Technology (CCUS, CO2 Gasoline, Hydrogen Power)
16. Swift New Energy (SOEC)