E evolutionary energyUS electric vehicle (EV) battery materials processor has announced plans to build a solar-powered, carbon-neutral, cobalt sulfate production facility in Yuma County, Arizona. The facility, the first of its kind in the United States, is expected to begin construction in 2024 and be fully operational by 2026, creating approximately 300 construction jobs and 60 full-time jobs once operational.
Dive deeper: Could Pinal County Become the Detroit of Electric Vehicles?
Representing a $200 million investment, the facility will produce cobalt sulfate for EV batteries. This is a key ingredient to the US initiative to electrify the US automotive fleet and transition to a net-zero economy. Cobalt sulfate is an integral component of the critical materials supply chain for electric vehicles (EVs) in the United States. EVelution Energy’s facility is expected to produce approximately 33,000 tons of EV battery-grade cobalt sulfate annually, enough to support domestic production of approximately 470,000 EVs annually.
“This is a huge win for Yuma and our commitment to a more sustainable future,” said Gov. Katie Hobbs. “Arizonas who work at this facility will advance the transition to a clean energy economy and enhance Arizona’s reputation as a pioneer of a resilient and sustainable future. Thanks to his EVelution Energy for quality work.”
Navaid Alam, President and CEO of EVelution Energy, said: “Our new production facility will bring basic infrastructure and re-landing jobs and technology back to the United States, reducing our dependence on other countries for critical EV battery materials. , the Arizona Department of Commerce, the Greater Yuma Economic Development Corporation, M3 Engineering partnerships, and Yuma County and the Yuma County Board of Supervisors for their support.”
Arizona Senator Kirsten Cinema said: And an economy that benefits everyone in our state. “
“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 her choice of Yuma County for this innovative facility that will foster further economic growth in rural Arizona.”
Built in Yuma County’s Qualified Opportunity Zone between Tacna and Dateland, this best-in-class “green” facility applies sustainable practices across all aspects of manufacturing and operations. Additionally, the fully solar-powered facility is expected to not only supply all of its own power needs, but also support the surrounding farming community with clean electricity.
Julie Engel, president and CEO of the Greater Yuma Economic Development Corporation, said: “The combination of new legislation, increased EV vehicle production, and a global EV battery shortage have all led to the vision and future deployment of this cobalt processing facility. Attracting opportunities from new sources of U.S. mining, further reducing costs and securing supply chains.To do this, this project will provide federal We are truly grateful for the support we have received from state and local governments.”
“I think EVelution Energy is a good project for Yuma County,” said Darren Simmons, supervisor for Yuma County’s Third Ward. This facility brings value to the community and provides a strong foundation for long-term success in Yuma County. “
EVelution Energy’s proposed investment highlights the recent increase in economic activity in rural Arizona, including supplement production for Optimal Health Systems. Expansion $40 million for FrameTec in the town of Pima manufacturing facility $100 million for Camp Verde and Nucor Expansion Kingman’s steel production facility.
