In February, the Arizona Manufacturing Extension Partnership held a roundtable discussion with local manufacturers and Dr. Zack Valdez from the Office of Manufacturing Energy Supply Chains(MESC) at the U.S. Department of Energy, focused on initiatives and recent investments to create a sustainable energy supply chain to support U.S. manufacturers. Established in 2022, MESC serves as the frontline of clean energy deployment through $20 billion of direct investments in manufacturing capacity and workforce development.
During the roundtable discussion, manufacturers discussed gaps in the energy supply chain and the availability of certain raw materials needed to move to renewable energy sources or expand current infrastructure. Manufacturers stressed the importance of balancing the desire to move to all renewable energy supplies with the reality that the U.S. lacks a diverse domestic supply of raw materials to achieve this goal.
Expanded Funding for Free Energy Audits
At the meeting, Dr. Valdez highlighted the role and expansion of Industrial Assessment Centers to support small- to medium-sized manufacturers. The program supports free energy assessments for qualifying manufacturers. Arizona MEP has helped clients facilitate energy audits and implement strategies to reduce waste and cost.
Additional Funding Available for Advanced Energy Projects
More investment credit opportunities will become available in 2024 for manufacturers to re-equip, expand, or establish an industrial or manufacturing facility for the production or recycling of a range of clean energy equipment and vehicles; re-equip an industrial or manufacturing facility with equipment designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 20 percent; or re-equip, expand, or establish an industrial facility for the processing, refining, or recycling of critical materials.
Arizona MEP Can Help
Arizona MEP is here to help manufacturers navigate the process of applying for an energy audit. Please reach out to Arizona MEP to understand the opportunities at [email protected] or (602) 845-1256.