the University of Texas at Dallas will open a new research center focused on the latest technology for batteries. The "Beacons Center" will also work on boosting the workforce for energy-storage companies.
UT Dallas Vice President Dr. Joseph Pancrazio says the school is getting $30 million over three years from the federal government for the project.
The award, which creates a prototype Energy Storage Systems Campus, is the largest allocation from a federal agency that the University has received to date. The project will leverage and stimulate over $200 million in private capital, according to a release from UT Dallas.
Researchers at UT Dallas say the manufacturing of batteries has traditionally happened overseas, so the Department of Defense is looking for ways to improve the supply chain for batteries here in the US.
“This initiative is a tremendous opportunity to showcase UTD’s mission of research, service and teaching in the context of accelerating workforce development and next-generation solutions that are critical to our nation’s economy and defense readiness,” said Dr. Richard C. Benson, UT Dallas president and the Eugene McDermott Distinguished University Chair of Leadership. “The expertise of our faculty researchers, the excellence of our academic programs in engineering and science, and our demonstrated ability to leverage partnerships with industry put UTD in a unique position to lead this national effort to drive innovation in battery technology and manufacturing.”
In addition, the initiative will provide access to facilities to help entrepreneurs design, develop and demonstrate novel energy storage systems.
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