In an effort to address vulnerabilities in the domestic critical materials supply chain, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has released a request for information (RFI) on the development and implementation of a Critical Materials Research, Development, Demonstration, and Commercialization Program. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) encourages relevant stakeholders to respond before the DOE deadline of September 9, 2022.

This program is funded by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and will address vulnerabilities in the domestic critical materials supply chain, which are both an economic disadvantage and an impediment to the clean energy transition, according to DOE. Critical materials include rare-earth elements, lithium, nickel, and cobalt, and are required for manufacturing many clean energy technologies, including batteries, electric vehicles, wind turbines, and solar panels. The program aims to advance domestic sourcing and production, strengthening America’s position as a global manufacturing leader.

“We can follow through on President Biden’s clean energy commitments and make our nation more secure by increasing our ability to source, process, and manufacture critical materials right here at home,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is supporting DOE’s effort to invest in the building blocks of clean energy technologies, which will revitalize America’s manufacturing leadership and bring along the benefits of good paying jobs.”

DOE seeks input from industry, academia, research laboratories, government agencies, state and local coalitions, labor unions, tribes, community-based organizations, and others on the structure of the programs, timing and distribution of funds, and selection criteria.

Access the RFI on DOE’s webpage. Responses are due by 5 p.m. ET on Friday, Sept. 9, 2022.