Modelling for National Security

AUI Joins BEACONS Center and LEAP Manufacturing Efforts

AUI has joined with LEAP Manufacturing in support of the UT Dallas Batteries and Energy to Advance Commercialization and National Security (BEACONS) Center, which will develop and commercialize new battery technologies and manufacturing processes, enhance the domestic availability of critical raw materials, and train high-quality workers for jobs in an expanding battery energy storage workforce. BEACONS is funded by a $30M agreement over three years by the U.S. Department of Defense. AUI’s role will relate to modelling the critical mineral supply chain.

Enhancing the domestic manufacturing of batteries for commercialization and national security needs requires a better understanding of the critical material supply chain and efforts to support Defense contractors’ ability to produce batteries domestically. UT Dallas and LEAP Manufacturing are positioning BEACONS to guide the optimization of existing battery systems, foster new battery chemistries, identify and track supply chain challenges, and promote workforce development.

Tom Campbell, Co-Director of LEAP Manufacturing emphasized “the need for exploring advanced manufacturing for the battery supply chain, including related critical materials, is a national need, and BEACONS will help address the gaps.”

“Better, more informed decision making starts with the supply chain,” AUI President Adam Cohen said. “It’s exciting to be part of the battery campus, which will help identify and pursue battery chemistries and manufacturing capabilities that will be important for the country’s economic and national security.”

AUI is an independent, not-for-profit founded in 1946 that specializes in the design, construction, and management and operations of cutting-edge research facilities and development and implementation of innovative approaches to education, outreach and workforce development. AUI manages the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) and the Green Bank Observatory (GBO) for the National Science Foundation (NSF).

View the UT Dallas Release.