Why it matters:
A hemp-based battery manufacturing company called Wisconsin Battery Co. (WinBat) is planning to open a new battery plant in Portage, Wisconsin. They aim to hire former employees of Energizer, which recently closed down its plant in the area. WinBat will focus on developing hemp carbon batteries as a sustainable alternative to lithium-ion batteries and industrial batteries for solar and wind power systems.
What they are saying:
WinBat CEO Jeff Greene believes Portage is an ideal location for the battery plant due to the skill set of former Energizer employees. He also expresses gratitude for the support received from the local community. Portage Mayor Mitchel Craig is cautiously optimistic about the economic benefits the new plant will bring to the city.
The big picture:
WinBat’s goal is to grow and hire 600 employees within the first six years of operation. They plan to start by producing batteries for hearing aids and eventually develop innovative batteries with improved energy density, longer lifespans, and reduced carbon footprint.
What to watch:
More information about the project will be shared in a press conference on January 9, 2024. WinBat is considering building another plant in Fennimore, where Energizer is closing down another manufacturing plant.
My take:
The development of hemp-based batteries is a promising step towards more sustainable energy solutions. The use of hemp as a raw material can potentially reduce the environmental impact of battery production and address national security risks associated with lithium sourcing. The creation of job opportunities for former Energizer employees is also a positive aspect of this project. It will be interesting to see how WinBat’s batteries perform in terms of energy density and lifespan compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries.
