U.S. Rep. Dan Lipinski (IL-3) announced today that Argonne National Laboratory has been chosen by the U.S. Department of Energy as an Energy Innovation Hub devoted to developing new battery technology for transportation and the electric grid. This innovative research hub, supported by $120 million in federal funding over five years, has the potential of creating a revolution in battery technology that slashes dependence on foreign oil and makes our region the worldwide leader in battery manufacturing.

"This award sets up Argonne National Laboratory to be the world leader in an emerging field that will promote American energy independence, make green energy more available and affordable, and grow manufacturing in the region." Lipinski said. "As a member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee I have been a champion of expanding cutting-edge science research and a leader in the fight to bring this Energy Innovation Hub to Argonne, which has already been recognized for its excellence in this area. I believe this new facility will bring a significant return on the investment for our nation and especially for the communities around Argonne.”

Argonne’s new Joint Center of Energy Storage Research is a remarkable collaboration of research and private sector partners, including Northwestern University, University of Chicago, University of Illinois, Lawrence Berkeley, Pacific Northwest, Sandia and SLAC National Accelerator laboratories and University of Michigan. The addition of private sector partners in Applied Materials, Dow Chemical and Johnson Controls completes an innovation team with unparalleled depth, breadth and experience.

The center’s primary objective is to develop more effective and cheaper energy storage solutions and batteries. The research is anticipated to reduce the cost of electric vehicles, making them more competitive with cars that run on gasoline, while also opening up new possibilities for wind and solar power storage.

“The worldwide battery market is roughly $95 billion and has the potential for exponential growth. The communities around Argonne National Laboratory are now poised to be central to this huge market,” Lipinski said. “America, and our region, have many of the world’s top national laboratories and universities. During my time on the Science Committee, I have been a leading proponent of getting research out of these labs and into new products, new companies, and new jobs. This Energy Innovation Hub is a great way to make sure that taxpayers are getting the best possible return for their investment in science.”