Arizona Set to Host First U.S. Solar-Powered Cobalt Facility
In a groundbreaking move towards sustainable energy and job creation, Yuma County, Arizona will soon be home to the nation’s first solar-powered cobalt sulfate production plant. Developed by EVelution Energy, this facility promises to create significant employment opportunities while advancing the U.S. electric vehicle (EV) industry’s supply chain.
YUMA COUNTY, AZ (March 29, 2023) – EVelution Energy has unveiled plans for a state-of-the-art, solar-powered cobalt sulfate production facility. Scheduled to break ground in 2024 and become operational by 2026, the project is expected to generate 300 construction jobs and provide 60 permanent positions upon completion.
With an estimated investment of $200 million, the facility will focus on producing cobalt sulfate, a vital component in EV batteries. This production is crucial to support the U.S. automotive sector’s shift towards electrification and a net-zero economy. The facility aims to produce around 33,000 metric tons of battery-grade cobalt sulfate annually, which could support the production of approximately 470,000 electric vehicles each year.
Governor Katie Hobbs expressed her enthusiasm, stating, This is a big win for Yuma and our drive toward a more sustainable future. Arizonans working at this facility will advance our transition to a clean energy economy and bolster Arizona’s reputation as a pioneer in a resilient and sustainable future.
Navaid Alam, President and CEO of EVelution Energy, highlighted the importance of the project, saying, We are very excited to develop a domestic EV battery-material production facility, particularly a solar-powered facility, which is of key importance to the United States.
He further thanked local and state authorities for their support.
Arizona Senator Kyrsten Sinema emphasized the strategic importance of the project, noting, EVelution Energy’s investment in Arizona, helped by our energy and infrastructure laws, will strengthen our critical minerals supply chains, our national security, and our energy independence.
Located in a qualified opportunity zone between Tacna and Dateland, the facility will not only operate sustainably but also contribute clean energy to the surrounding agricultural areas. Julie Engel, President and CEO of the Greater Yuma Economic Development Corporation, remarked on the facility’s potential impact, citing new legislation and global EV battery shortages as driving factors for the project’s realization.
Yuma County Supervisor Darren Simmons voiced community support, stating, I believe EVelution Energy is a good project for Yuma County. We as a community look forward to working closely with EVelution Energy to proactively address community concerns as the project moves forward.
This initiative is part of a larger pattern of economic development in rural Arizona, joining other projects such as Optimal Health Systems’ expansion in Pima, FrameTec’s new manufacturing facility in Camp Verde, and Nucor’s facility expansion in Kingman.
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