Group14 Technologies, a startup focused on next-generation battery materials, has received a $200 million grant to build a plant in Moses Lake, Washington, that will produce silane gas. Silane is a crucial ingredient in the manufacturing process of silicon-carbon battery materials, which Group14 specializes in. The new facility is expected to become the largest manufacturer of this patented material once it starts production later in the year. The funding for this project was allocated by Congress in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and awarded by the U.S. Department of Energy, with support from Senator Maria Cantwell.
The grant received by Group14 is part of the Biden administration’s efforts to strengthen U.S. battery production and reduce reliance on foreign sources. By establishing a domestic supply chain for raw materials like silane, the administration aims to boost the competitiveness of American battery manufacturing. The technology developed by Group14 can enhance battery performance by up to 50% and enable faster charging, making it valuable for a wide range of applications including electric vehicles, personal electronics, and more.
One of the challenges faced by companies like Group14 in the battery manufacturing industry is the lack of domestically produced silane. Currently, most of the world’s silane is manufactured in China, creating issues related to supply chain security and reliability. By building a silane facility in Moses Lake, Group14 aims to establish a reliable source of this essential material in the U.S. and ensure that it can meet the demands of its battery material production.
Group14 is not the only company investing in manufacturing facilities in Moses Lake. Other battery startups like Sila and OneD Battery Sciences are also setting up plants in the area to take advantage of affordable clean energy and the proximity to REC Silicon, the only U.S. company producing silane. However, a recent deal between REC Silicon and Hanwha Solutions has raised concerns about the availability of silane for battery material companies, prompting Group14 to secure its own supply through the new silane plant.
In addition to its operations in Moses Lake, Group14 has also been expanding internationally with projects in South Korea and Europe. The company recently commissioned a manufacturing facility in South Korea, in partnership with SK materials, becoming the world’s first large-scale silicon battery material factory. The startup has sent its anode material from this facility to customers for validation and is aiming to integrate it into EV batteries by the end of next year. Group14 is also working on restarting Schmid Silicon Technology Holding’s silane gas plant in Germany as part of its efforts to establish a global presence in the silicon battery era.
Overall, Group14 Technologies’ latest grant and new silane plant in Moses Lake mark significant milestones in the development of advanced battery manufacturing in the United States. With ongoing support from the government and partnerships with other industry leaders, the company is well-positioned to contribute to the growth of the domestic battery supply chain and drive innovation in battery technology for a wide range of applications.
