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AMERICAN BATTERY FACTORY SELECTS TUCSON, ARIZONA AS SITE FOR ITS FIRST BATTERY CELL GIGAFACTORY IN UNITED STATES

Landmark site in Pima County marks major milestone for American Battery Factory’s launch of the first in a planned network of giga-factories to produce LFP battery cells

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Landmark site in Pima County marks major milestone for American Battery Factory’s launch of the first in a planned network of giga-factories to produce LFP battery cells

TUCSON, Ariz. /PRNewswire/ — Arizona Governor Doug Ducey and Paul Charles, President and CEO of American Battery Factory (ABF), announced that Tucson, Ariz. has been selected as the site for the first in a planned series of battery cell gigafactories based in the United States. The site will serve as ABF’s official headquarters and will be the country’s largest gigafactory for the production of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery cells at approximately 2 million square feet, providing an estimated $1.2 billion in capital investment, $3.1 billion in economic impact to the state and accelerating the growth of the clean energy economy across the country. Approximately 300 high-paying jobs will be provided in the first phase of the factory’s opening, scaling up to 1,000 cumulative jobs.  Positions include operations, production, scientific and technology jobs including research and development, automation and robotics, executive and other headquarter positions.

“Arizona is proud to be home to American Battery Factory’s first U.S. facility and headquarters,” said Governor Ducey. “This transformational investment proves once again that Arizona is the premier destination for emerging technologies. The state-of-the-art factory will produce battery cells critical to our energy future right here in Tucson. My thanks to Paul Charles and the entire team at American Battery Factory for choosing our state for its innovative facility.”

American Battery Factory announced today it’s building USA’s largest gigafactory for LFP battery cells in Tucson, Ariz.

The LFP battery cell chemistry ABF will employ allows for the production of the safest, longest-lasting, most reliable and eco-friendly batteries currently available. Avoiding the use of nickel and cobalt, ABF’s materials are more ethically sourced and last more than double the average performance of other batteries, making them an ideal option for durable and dependable energy storage systems. The cells will empower consumers, households, business owners and electric utilities to automate the management of their own inventory of power, gaining the independence to optimize and transform energy usage on their own terms. Energy storage made possible by ABF can power on-the-go lifestyles, off-the-grid living and industrial utilities as well as public industries and sectors.

“This investment represents a generational opportunity both for us as a company and for Tucson as a community as a means to truly make energy independence a reality for everyone,” said Charles. “Batteries make shifting to an entirely green energy economy possible. With this first factory, we will secure a strategically positioned company headquarters while taking the critical first steps in making it possible to one day move the country and the entire world to 100% renewable power. We are honored to start this journey in Tucson and give back to the community through innovation, quality job creation, revenue generation and environmental protection.”

To be located on 267 acres in Pima County’s renowned Aerospace Research Campus – close to world-class companies like Raytheon Missiles & Defense – ABF’s headquarters will be the home of energy storage innovation, with opportunities for new technology development. Through rapid modular construction, the company plans to have the headquarters, R&D center and initial factory module built within the next 18 to 24 months. Using cutting-edge construction technology, the building will greatly limit waste at the site, be airtight and will ensure the protection of the battery cells during production.

With high-capacity border and transportation infrastructure, Tucson is an ideal fit for ABF’s vision and will provide the necessary access to ship battery cells to nearby markets. Plans for the gigafactory aim to enhance Pima County’s already growing economy and support Arizona’s business community by cultivating an environment that fosters innovation as well as attracting and retaining residents to the Tucson economy.

Project partners include Governor Doug Ducey, Arizona Commerce Authority, Sun Corridor Inc., Pima County, City of Tucson, Pima Community College and Tucson Electric Power.

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“With this announcement, American Battery Factory has elevated Arizona’s reputation as a national epicenter for battery manufacturing,” said Sandra Watson, president & CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. “American Battery Factory’s new facility and headquarters will advance Southern Arizona’s vibrant technology ecosystem while creating hundreds of skilled jobs and drive further economic growth to our state.”

“Today’s decision by the Board is another significant return on investment made by the County and taxpayers 10 years ago when the Board took positive steps to acquire the Aerospace Research Campus,” Board of Supervisors Chair Sharon Bronson said. “American Battery Factory is exactly the type of high-wage employer we hoped to attract. I welcome them to Pima County and wish them many years of success.”

“The City of Tucson is a national leader on climate action. We are a hub for resiliency and innovation,” said Tucson Mayor Regina Romero. “Tucson is a perfect city for American Battery Factory to partner with and we look forward to working together to support the energy storage industry.”

“American Battery Factory joins prominent regional and corporate headquarters in Southern Arizona, such as Raytheon Missiles & Defense, Caterpillar and Hexagon’s Mining division, among others,” said Joe Snell, president & CEO, Sun Corridor Inc.  “This marquee project catapults Tucson into the national spotlight, ensuring this region has a prominent place in the energy storage and EV manufacturing supply chain being developed right here. With key advancements from ABF, Tucson will be a cutting-edge leader ushering in new EV technology and improved energy storage efficiency.”

“With our Advanced Manufacturing Center opening next year, PCC’s strategy and focus on Centers of Excellence was another key reason ABF chose Southern Arizona,” said Lee Lambert, chancellor & CEO, Pima Community College. “We are strongly positioned to train the workforce ABF needs and partner with this new facility to fast-track next-generation battery innovations to full production capacity. We’re looking forward to partnering with ABF on apprenticeship and internship programs for our students.”

“Energy storage not only drives powerful environmental benefits for our region, but economic benefits as well. TEP was a close partner on this project every step of the way, providing critical infrastructure and competitive pricing,” said Susan Gray, president & CEO, Tucson Electric Power. “ABF represents an ideal investment in our region, designed to meet unprecedented global demand for energy storage and battery cells required for renewable, independent, efficient and affordable energy solutions.”

ABF has secured strategic partnerships to make this landmark development a reality, partnering with Celgard (along with their parent company Asahi Kasei) for innovation and key cell components and Anovion for synthetic graphite. ABF plans to work with Honeywell to provide automation, cybersecurity and optimization products and services.

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SOURCE American Battery Factory

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bp unveils first US bp pulse EV charging Gigahub™ at Houston headquarters

A ribbon cutting for the Gigahub™ located at the bp Westlake campus with bp executives and local elected officials will be held on March 20, 2024

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HOUSTON, March 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — bp (NYSE: BP) will celebrate the opening of its new electric-vehicle charging site at its bp America headquarters in Houston, Texas, expanding its network of EV chargers in the US. The new bp pulse station is the first bp pulse branded Gigahub™ in the US and will be open to the public on April 2.

bp unveils first US bp pulse EV charging Gigahub™ at Houston headquarters

bp pulse Gigahub™ (EV charging station) is open to the general public
bp pulse Gigahub™ Westlake campus

Emma Delaney, bp Executive Vice President for Customers & Products, said: “As we expand our global footprint, I am thrilled to unveil our first EV charging Gigahub in the US. With leading fast charging positions already in key markets in the UK, China, and Germany, we’re learning about customer charging preferences on the go.”

The Gigahub™, expected to open on March 20, 2024, will offer 24 high-speed EV charge points with Tritium 150kW DC fast chargers. The chargers will be integrated with the bp pulse app, allowing users to locate the site, access real-time charging availability, and connect to WiFi.

“We’re excited to bring bp pulse to America’s energy corridor and expand our presence in the US public EV-charging market,” said Sujay Sharma, CEO of bp pulse Americas. “This project will bring fast, reliable charging to EV drivers when and where they need it, helping support faster electric-vehicle adoption in the US. We look forward to welcoming new and existing EV drivers to our growing network.”

bp pulse aims to continue deploying additional charging points at high-demand locations, such as airports, major metropolitan areas, and bp-owned properties across the US. bp has also been awarded grant funds through programs, including National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) and California Energy Commission (CEC) to provide charging infrastructure at sites in California, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and Kentucky.

In February 2023, bp announced plans to invest $1 billion in America’s EV charging infrastructure by 2030, with $500 million invested in by the end of 2025. bp pulse also shared commitments to deliver 3,000 charge points by 2025. EV charging is one of bp’s five strategic transition growth engines in which the company expects to significantly grow investment through this decade. The other transition growth engines include bioenergy, hydrogen, convenience and renewables & power.

Today bp has 29,000 EV charge points worldwide and aims for more than 100,000 globally by 2030 – around 90% rapid or ultra-fast.

About bp

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bp’s ambition is to become a net zero company by 2050 or sooner, and to help the world get to net zero. We’re transforming bp from an international oil and gas company to an integrated energy company – and America is core to the strategy. bp has a larger economic footprint in the United States than anywhere else in the world, investing more than $145 billion since 2005 and supporting more than 275,000 jobs. For more information on bp in the US, visit www.bpamerica.com.

About bp pulse

bp pulse is bp’s electric vehicle (EV) charging business. Focused on fast and reliable charging, bp pulse deploys charging points for EV drivers and commercial fleets on the go; at destination hubs, at the depot and bp retail sites. Around the world bp pulse is partnering with some of the world’s biggest businesses, while developing the Gigahub™ network, a series of large EV high-speed charging hubs in high-demand locations. For more information, visit bppulsefleet.com

Further information: bp US press office, USPRESS@bp.com

Cautionary statement: In order to utilize the ‘safe harbor’ provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the ‘PSLRA’), bp is providing the following cautionary statement. This press release contains certain forward-looking statements – that is, statements related to future, not past events and circumstances – which may relate to one or more of the financial condition, results of operations and businesses of bp and certain of the plans and objectives of bp with respect to these items. These statements are generally, but not always, identified by the use of words such as ‘will’, ‘expects’, ‘is expected to’, ‘aims’, ‘should’, ‘may’, ‘objective’, ‘is likely to’, ‘intends’, ‘believes’, ‘anticipates’, ‘plans’, ‘we see’ or similar expressions. Actual results may differ from those expressed in such statements, depending on a variety of factors including the risk factors set forth in our most recent Annual Report and Form 20-F under “Risk factors” and in any of our more recent public reports. Our most recent Annual Report and Form 20-F and other period filings are available on our website at www.bp.com,or can be obtained from the SEC by calling 1-800-SEC-0330 or on its website at www.sec.gov.

SOURCE bp America

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Cenergy Power Awarded Illinois Shines Community-Driven Community Solar Project

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ALISO VIEJO, Calif. (Newswire.com) – Cenergy Power, a leading community solar provider, announced today that it has received a Community-Driven Community Solar (CDCS) Award from the Illinois Shines Program for its 5 MWac solar project in Madison County, Illinois. 

CDCS projects are awarded based on their commitment to provide direct and tangible benefits to the communities in which they operate, and only four other projects were selected as CDCS projects in the Ameren Illinois utility region in 2023. To ensure such local benefits are achieved by its community solar project, Cenergy is partnering with Edwardsville Community Foundation (ECF), a charitable trust that receives, manages, and distributes tax-deductible charitable contributions for the benefit of the greater Edwardsville area communities and its residents.

As part of this partnership, Cenergy Power will make direct donations of at least $400,000 to ECF and $60,000 to Madison County to benefit their local communities. In addition, Cenergy and ECP will coordinate on awareness campaigns of the 20% or more power bill savings for local subscribers of the clean energy generated by the project.

Caryn Mefford, ECF Chair, stated, “Edwardsville Community Foundation (ECF) is excited to work with Cenergy on the Community Driven Community Solar (CDCS) project located in Madison County. The CDCS project along with the economic and strategic benefits the project provides, matches ECF’s mission to continue to provide economic and job training benefits from a growing and thriving renewable energy industry in Illinois.”

Cenergy Power

Grounded by a deep sense of community, Cenergy Power’s mission is to spread the economic and sustainability benefits of reliable clean energy projects to local stakeholders. www.cenergypower.com

Edwardsville Community Foundation

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The Edwardsville Community Foundation is a charitable organization that serves local communities of Edwardsville, Glen Carbon, Hamel, Moro, Dorsey, Worden and other surrounding areas.

Source: CENERGY POWER

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Renewable Energy

Synthetic DNA could help scientists modify genes and create new biofuels

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Newswise — According to quantum biologists from the University of Surrey, the unlocking of the immense potential of laboratory-designed DNA, commonly referred to as synthetic DNA, is poised to revolutionize various fields with groundbreaking advancements.

Diverging from naturally occurring DNA, synthetic DNA presents scientists with the opportunity to engineer novel genes or augment existing ones, presenting a gateway to revolutionary prospects in medicine and biotechnology. Moreover, synthetic DNA has the potential to sustain Darwinian evolution, laying the foundation for captivating advancements in comprehending genetic systems.

Quantum biologists at the University of Surrey conducted a distinctive study exploring the movement of protons within Hachimoji DNA, a synthetic DNA variant that has yet to be observed in natural organisms.

By employing density functional theory, the researchers from the University of Surrey utilized a methodology to determine the rate of proton transfer and its temperature-dependent effects. Their findings revealed that proton transfer occurs with greater ease in Hachimoji DNA when compared to conventional DNA. Particularly, specific base pairs in Hachimoji DNA facilitate proton movement that is approximately 30% faster than in regular DNA. This observation implies that Hachimoji DNA may exhibit a higher susceptibility to mutations in contrast to normal DNA.

Dr. Louie Slocombe, the principal investigator of the research project at the University of Surrey, remarked:

“The investigation into Hachimoji DNA and its unique characteristics holds great promise for the fields of synthetic biology and genetic research. Our study offers invaluable insights into the dynamics of proton transfer in Hachimoji DNA, thereby illuminating its potential impact on mutation rates.”

“This knowledge holds the potential to steer future advancements in DNA engineering and broaden our understanding of genetic systems, not only on Earth but also in realms beyond our planet.”

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Hachimoji DNA, a laboratory-engineered synthetic DNA, surpasses the conventional four-letter genetic code (A, T, C, G) by incorporating four additional building blocks (Z, P, S, B). This expansion broadens the scope of genetic information, unlocking unprecedented possibilities in genetic research, synthetic biology, and nanotechnology. Hachimoji DNA holds great promise as a potential catalyst for engineering organisms with exceptional abilities and for pioneering groundbreaking drug development.

Dr. Marco Sacchi, one of the co-authors of the study conducted at the University of Surrey, expressed:

“The University of Surrey is dedicated to spearheading scientific research and catalyzing transformative breakthroughs. The exploration of Hachimoji DNA showcases the university’s expertise in quantum biology and highlights the potential of this emerging field to unravel the complexities of genetic systems and leverage the capabilities of cutting-edge technologies.”

Source: University of Surrey

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