KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph announced Monday that a nearly $9.6 million grant is being awarded to Western Michigan University (WMU) for a new sustainable lithium-ion battery project.
The grant is being awarded by the Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy for the project, which is entitled “Enabling Advanced Electrode Architecture through Printing Technique.”
Officials say that the project focuses on how to create more cost-effective lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and other consumer goods.
Upton had previously written a letter last November to the Department of Energy in support of the project.
“This is spectacular news for Western Michigan and the Kalamazoo-community, and I am so proud to continue supporting the work of this incredible institution,” Upton said in a statement. “The research that WMU is doing in the field of energy storage, energy efficiency, and sustainability has the potential to be a real breakthrough for battery electric vehicles. To be awarded this DOE grant speaks to WMU’s continued outstanding work. I look forward to seeing their research that will certainly continue to make a positive impact on our environment and our economy.”
Participants in the project will work to develop a low cost manufacturing process for better lithium-ion batteries.
Dr. Qingliu Wu will be leading the project team of scientists and engineers. Wu is an assistant professor of WMU’s Department of Chemical and Paper Engineering.
“Dr. Wu’s unique application of advanced materials to address global energy concerns will have significant impact on a matter of great national importance,” Vice President for Research and Innovation at WMU Dr. Terri Goss Kinzy said in a statement. “His research exemplifies the public impact focus of work at Western Michigan University.”
