West Virginia-based company Form Energy’s batteries, manufactured in Weirton, will be utilized in a new energy storage project in New England. The $2.2 billion funding for electrical grid resiliency projects, part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, was announced by the U.S. Department of Energy. The Power Up New England project, with a multi-day battery energy storage system in northern Maine, aims to store energy from onshore and offshore wind power generation. This project is expected to reduce energy supply costs and generate clean energy.
Form Energy’s CEO, Mateo Jaramillo, stated that the batteries for this project will be manufactured at the Form Factory 1 in Weirton. The facility, built on the former Weirton Steel Mill site, is nearly complete and will create jobs and foster sustainable development.
The project is a result of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, reflecting West Virginia’s contribution to powering America. The state provided a $215 million forgivable loan for Form Energy, supporting economic development and job creation in the area.
Form Energy’s facility in Weirton represents a $760 million investment in the state and is expected to create 750 full-time jobs by 2028. The state will retain ownership of the land and buildings as a guarantee for their investment.
Overall, the project signifies West Virginia’s commitment to energy innovation, job creation, and economic growth through collaboration with federal funding and local partnerships.
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