Anthro Energy breaks ground on Kentucky electrolyte plant

Anthro Energy has broken ground on a new advanced electrolyte manufacturing plant in Louisville, Kentucky. The facility, representing an investment of over $40 million, is expected to begin production in late 2027. It is slated to be the first large-scale, US-owned and operated plant of its kind, with an annual capacity of approximately 12,000 tonnes of electrolyte, sufficient to support 25GWh of lithium-ion battery production.

The project is supported by a $24.9 million award from the US Department of Energy and $18.4 million in investment tax credits. The plant is expected to create 110 permanent jobs and approximately 390 construction jobs. The facility will utilize inputs that comply with US foreign entity of concern restrictions.

Anthro Energy’s proprietary Proteus platform uses an injectable phase-change polymer electrolyte. The material is introduced into cells as a liquid using standard equipment before changing phase inside the battery. This technology aims to improve cell safety, mechanical strength, and energy density. The output is intended for use in energy storage systems, defense equipment, consumer electronics, electric mobility, and robotics.