(central square) – EVelution Energy is building the United States’ first solar-powered cobalt processing facility in Yuma County, Arizona.
Construction is set to begin in 2024 and the facility is expected to be fully operational in 2026. The $200 million investment will provide approximately 300 construction jobs and 60 field jobs. Cobalt sulfate is an important part of the EV supply chain. EVelution’s new plant will produce approximately 33,000 tons of EV battery grade cobalt sulfate for 470,000 new EVs per year.
“Evolution Energy’s investment in Arizona is underpinned by energy and infrastructure laws that strengthen our critical mineral supply chain, national security and energy independence,” said I-Ariz. said Senator Kirsten Cinema. “Together we will create lasting careers and an economy that benefits everyone in our state.”
EVelution Energy LLC, a subsidiary of EVelution Energy Qualified Opportunity Zone LP, organized under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, provides long-term investments and infrastructure to underserved communities. .
“I think EVelution Energy is a good project for Yuma County,” said Yuma County District 3 Supervisor Darren Simmons. The facility will add value to the community and provide a strong foundation for long-term success in Yuma County. ”
The factory was built along the I-8 Corridor and its 139.5-acre site straddles Union Pacific Railroad tracks. Rapid shipment of cobalt hydroxide raw material from the Democratic Republic of the Congo is available approximately four hours from ports in San Diego, California and Ensenada, Mexico.
“EVelution Energy’s new facility represents an important addition to Arizona’s battery manufacturing ecosystem,” said Sandra Watson, president and CEO of the Arizona Department of Commerce. “We thank EVelution Energy for choosing Yuma County for this innovative facility that will foster further economic growth in rural Arizona.”
The market is expected to grow by 35% to 37% between 2022 and 2028, with legislation in favor of EVs nationwide, such as California’s all-EV mandate by 2035. All other solar-grade cobalt production facilities are now located in China.
EVelution’s new factory is just one of many recent investments in rural Arizona. Optimal Health System installed an expansion at Pima, FrameTec is building a facility at Camp Verde, and Nucor is expanding its steel facility at Kingman.
