Southern

The federal Tech Hub designation is ‘momentous’ for the Southern Tier, said BU President Harvey Stenger, and may position the region as a global leader in energy storage solutions.

Whittingham Binghamton University $100 million Build Back Better award

Binghamton’s proposal focuses on turning the Southern Tier into the U.S. hub for lithium battery research, manufacturing and workforce development.

Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin

The wins keep coming for Binghamton University’s New Energy New York project, which has banked nearly $120 million in grant funding and is in the running for $160 million more to grow the Southern Tier’s battery economy.

Binghamton has now been designated America’s Tech Hub for battery innovation, a formal distinction that will allow the region to compete for a chunk of the $500 million in Phase 2 grant funding offered through the federal program.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) confirmed the designation Monday ahead of an afternoon visit to Binghamton University. An announcement from the White House is also expected.

“For months you could feel the electricity and excitement in Binghamton over the growing battery industry, but today lightning has struck and I am proud to announce the region has officially won the prestigious federal designation as America’s next battery Tech Hub,” said Sen. Schumer.

“Binghamton University, its partners, and I have worked hand-in-hand to bring this idea to life, and now the ultimate recognition of the Southern Tier as the home to the future of our nation’s battery innovation has become a reality.”

The Tech Hub program drew hundreds of applicants from 48 states. Binghamton is one of only 31 regions to secure a Tech Hub designation, which opens the door to major federal funding in the coming years.

What is the Tech Hub program?

The Tech Hub Program, created through the CHIPS and Science Act, aims to stimulate U.S. cities and surrounding areas with investments in new technologies. The Tech Hubs are designed to commercialize research and development, boosting U.S. manufacturing in critical tech industries. The initial $500 million is part of an overall funding authorization for $10 billion.

Schumer said the program was created with an eye on Upstate New York cities with a rich manufacturing heritage, like Binghamton. Upstate’s three biggest cities — Buffalo, Syracuse and Rochester — also made it through the first round of cuts for a project in support of the semiconductor industry.

Schumer said the Tech Hubs can “breathe new life into our cities with the industries of the future.”

“Binghamton’s growing battery hub continues to show they can compete with the best of the best in the country and come out on top, and now the federal government has said so officially for the entire world to see, with the Tech Hubs designation highlighting the region as one of only a few in the country primed to be the next Silicon Valley in critical technology,” said Schumer.

“America must lead in developing the future of battery technology, and today the federal government has said Binghamton is how we can get there.”

Why was Binghamton named a Tech Hub?

Batteries were among 10 key technology focus areas identified by the program. Binghamton University has been at the forefront of lithium-ion battery technology, led by Nobel Prize winner and Distinguished Professor Stanley Whittingham.

Last fall, Binghamton’s New Energy New York project was awarded nearly $114 million in federal and state grants through the Build Back Better Regional Challenge. Another $3 million was awarded through the Appalachian Regional Commission in September, and Binghamton is currently competing for an additional $160 million from the National Science Foundation’s Regional “Innovation Engines” Competition.

The funding is being utilized to help turn the Southern Tier into a nation-leading hub of battery manufacturing and development. The grants aim to boost BU’s efforts to attract battery startups and supply chain companies to the region, while supporting local workforce training programs in the industry.

iM3NYa lithium-ion battery manufacturer with ties to BU, has started ramping up operations at its gigafactory in nearby Endicott with the goal of producing 38 GWh per year. Binghamton officials have projected the industry could create 8,000 jobs over the decade with billions of dollars in regional economic impact.

“I am so heartened to see how our University’s and region’s focus on batteries and energy storage solutions — something I’ve dedicated my entire professional life to — has achieved this level of attention and support from our federal government,” said Whittingham.

“Thank you Senator Schumer for your vision and unwavering advocacy. This Tech Hub designation is just what is needed to take our coalition’s work to the next level and beyond. I am confident we will become the clean energy hub for the United States.”

More: What’s next for Binghamton battery project? What to know about timelines, impacts

What does the designation mean for Binghamton?

Binghamton University President Harvey Stenger called the Tech Hub designation “a momentous day” in the history of the University and the Southern Tier.

“With his designation, Binghamton and the region will only grow as global leaders in energy storage solutions and will continue to be a driving force working towards a sustainable and secure energy future,” said Stenger.

Binghamton’s New Energy NY proposal will now compete for an Implementation Grant from the Economic Development Administration, which would unlock millions more in funding. The EDA is expected to make at least five implementation awards, with the remaining available funding earmarked to designated Tech Hubs.

The New Energy New York coalition has grown to 68 members. Consortium leader Per Stromhaug said the Tech Hub designation “will allow NENY to strengthen its efforts focused on U.S. supply chains, attracting startups and companies to the region, creating good-paying jobs, and expanding workforce training programs.”

2023-10-23 09:28:18


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