The facility is expected to generate 2,112 new jobs when operating at its full annual capacity of 20GWh, which is expected to be achieved by the end of 2027

ONE-Circle-Property

Our Next Energy to invest $1.6bn in ONE Circle, a new battery cell manufacturing plant in Michigan. (Credit: PRNewswire/Our Next Energy Inc.)

American energy storage technology company Our Next Energy (ONE) will invest $1.6bn in ONE Circle, a new battery cell manufacturing plant in Michigan.

In this connection, the company has entered into a multi-year lease agreement with Ashley Capital for a recently constructed 659,589sft building in Van Buren Township.

Our Next Energy has developed the Aries lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, which is claimed to deliver a range of 483km. The company has also developed the LFP-based dual chemistry Gemini system, which is claimed to deliver can deliver 965km of range.

The ONE Circle campus will accommodate cathode materials production, raw material refinement, and cell and battery manufacturing.

Once operational at its full annual capacity of 20GWh, the facility is expected to create 2,112 new jobs, said Our Next Energy.

ONE Circle, over a period of 20 years, is expected to produce $967m in state taxes and over $13bn in new personal income, claimed the Michigan-based energy storage technology company.

Our Next Energy founder and CEO Mujeeb Ijaz said: “ONE is thrilled to select Michigan for our first cell factory, due to the state’s unique combination of battery talent, proximity to material supply and access to low-cost energy.

“We applaud the leadership of Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the MEDC team, led by Quentin Messer. In addition, our collaboration and new strategic partnerships with DTE Energy, Van Buren Township, and Wayne County have helped ONE build a strong foundation for clean tech manufacturing in Michigan.”

The battery cell manufacturing plant is expected to reach full capacity by the end of 2027, which is equivalent to meeting the requirements of 200,000 electric vehicle battery packs annually.

By onshoring its supply chain and incorporating materials refinement with its partner 6K Energy into its manufacturing processes, ONE Circle will reduce carbon emissions by 45% by 2028, said Our Next Energy.

The facility will also use renewable energy for 50% of its power requirements.

Our Next Energy expects to take over the newly constructed facility in January 2023 and will start upgrades and equipment installation.

Governor Whitmer said: “With this new gigafactory, we will continue bringing the supply chain of electric vehicles, chips, and batteries home to Michigan and the USA while creating a sustainable, clean energy economy.

“Let’s keep putting Michiganders first, creating good-paying jobs with great benefits, and building the future of the auto industry right here in Michigan.”