T1 Energy Plans 5GW Solar Cell Plant in Texas to Strengthen US Supply Chain

T1 Energy

Texas Facility Marks New Phase for US Solar Manufacturing

T1 Energy announced plans to build a 5GW solar cell facility in Texas, aiming to address critical gaps in the US solar supply chain. The $850mn G2_Austin plant is scheduled to start production by late 2026. This project follows T1 Energy’s acquisition of Trina Solar’s US assets in 2024 and a rebranding from Freyr Battery, which abandoned its $2.6bn battery storage project in Georgia.

The new facility will supply cells to the 5GW G1_Dallas module plant, reducing reliance on imports from Asia. Current US solar cell capacity remains just 2GW, compared to 56GW of module production. This imbalance highlights the urgency of building more domestic cell production.

US Tariffs and Technology Drive Expansion

T1 Energy’s Texas project benefits from US tariffs and tax incentives, which encourage domestic solar manufacturing. The US Commerce Department has imposed anti-dumping duties on PV cells from Southeast Asia to counter circumvention of Chinese tariffs. Meanwhile, T1 Energy will adopt high-efficiency TOPCon technology, which uses n-type polysilicon. This move reflects the global shift from older Perc technology toward higher-performing solar cells.

However, tariff uncertainty has caused the company to lower its module production forecast for 2025 to 2.6–3GW, down from 3.4GW. T1 Energy is also holding off on long-term power purchase agreements until cost visibility improves. Despite these challenges, the Austin facility represents a major step toward reshoring solar cell production and securing domestic supply chains.

The Metalnomist Commentary

T1 Energy’s 5GW solar cell project signals a turning point for US clean energy policy, linking tariffs, incentives, and new technology adoption. If executed successfully, this facility could strengthen US energy independence while setting a precedent for integrated solar manufacturing in North America. However, cost pressures and tariff volatility remain significant risks for long-term stability.

ICL to Build Lithium Battery Plant in the US with Aleees Partnership

ICL

ICL Starts Construction of US-Based LFP Battery Facility

Israeli specialty minerals company ICL has begun construction of a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery plant near St. Louis, Missouri. The facility will have a production capacity of 30,000 metric tonnes per year and is expected to start operations later this year.

This $400mn investment will be partially funded by a $197mn grant from the US Department of Energy (DOE). The grant falls under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, aimed at strengthening domestic clean energy supply chains.

However, the DOE funding remains frozen under an executive order signed by President Donald Trump in January 2025. Despite the uncertainty, ICL has proceeded with the project to establish its US footprint in the battery materials space.

Strategic Partnerships Secure LFP Technology Supply Chain

To support the project, ICL has partnered with Taiwan-based Aleees, a major LFP technology licensor. Aleees will help ICL establish a secure LFP supply chain for US electric vehicle and energy storage customers.

The partnership gives ICL access to Aleees' intellectual property and production expertise. Aleees also licensed its LFP cathode material technology to US battery firm T1 Energy, formerly Freyr Battery.

Meanwhile, ICL is also expanding its footprint in Europe. In January, it formed a joint venture with China’s Shenzhen Dynanonic to produce LFP cathode active materials for the European market.

The Metalnomist Commentary

ICL’s investment reflects a strategic move to onshore battery material production in response to growing US demand and political pressure. As LFP becomes the chemistry of choice for mass-market EVs and grid storage, securing localized supply chains will be critical for competitiveness and compliance. The real test will be whether DOE funding resumes under the evolving policy landscape.