The Department of Energy announced plans Wednesday to provide almost $1 billion for critical mineral projects in yet another move aimed at juicing the domestic supply of materials needed for the production of energy technologies.
DOE said it would issue notices for grant opportunities, with a large portion of the funding moving through the Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains, or MESC.
“For too long, the United States has relied on foreign actors to supply and process the critical materials that are essential to modern life and our national security,” Energy Secretary Chris Wright said in a statement.
DOE did not immediately respond when asked about the source of the funds. The department currently is reviewing programs expected to be completed this summer. Congressional Democrats have accused the department of illegally diverting funds from fiscal 2025 appropriations.
