Case Study

American Lithium Energy secures $13.2 million in grant from CA Energy Commission

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March 2023

Carlsbad-based American Lithium Energy Corporation (ALE) manufactures the most advanced lithium-ion battery in the world, offering battery applications for defense, aerospace, medical devices, electric vehicles, and much more. The company’s CEO sought EDC’s support with obtaining grant funding as well as hiring to meet rising demand for its batteries.

CHALLENGE

ALE needed to grow quickly to meet the sharp increase in demand for its batteries during the pandemic. The company projected tripling its workforce from 25 employees to 75 during 2023 and then doubling again in 2024. To do so, the company would need to build a sustainable talent pipeline of manufacturing workers while also increasing its use of raw materials found in Imperial Valley. ALE required immediate, low-cost capital to fund their short-term growth.

solution and support provided

EDC provided key introductions to strategic partners to support both ALE’s talent pipeline needs and its pursuit of grant funding. EDC’s Economic Development team made introductions to key partners to build a coalition of support for ALE’s grant funding application to the California Energy Commission (CEC), including a letter of support. EDC’s Talent team connected ALE with MiraCosta College Technology Career Institute (TCI) to establish a long-term partnership for training. As a non-credit institution, MiraCosta TCI builds unique programs to meet employers’ distinct needs. The CEC requires applicants to develop these types of relationships as it knows there is value in emerging alternative energy industries connectivity to education partners to enable rapid growth and adjustment to curriculum. EDC’s Advancing San Diego program also supported ALE in hosting a paid intern.

value derived 

ALE received two CEC grant awards totaling $13.2 million and is actively working with North County’s MiraCosta College to build a feeder program of much needed talent. EDC then partnered with ALE to author and distribute a press release to local media to promote ALE’s funding wins, resulting in five unique media placements to date. Marketing support also included a blog, social, and topline feature in EDC’s e-news.


EDC will continue to support ALE as it looks to expand its current Carlsbad location. Congrats ALE!

“Working with the EDC team has helped us expand our local footprint, increase brand exposure, and get connected to local education institutions and the business ecosystem at large. ALE is excited and committed to continued growth in the region where we can help lead in the ‘electrification revolution’.”

– Dr. John Fan, CEO, American Lithium Energy Corporation

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