Nestled in the Nevada desert, 805 retired EV batteries form the largest microgrid in North America, supplying power to AI infrastructure company Crusoe. Redwood Materials, founded by former Tesla CTO JB Straubel, recently announced its new energy storage venture, Redwood Energy, which repurposes these batteries to generate power—initiated with Crusoe as a partner. This microgrid harnesses solar energy, producing 12 MW of power with a capacity of 63 MWh.
Redwood, a leader in battery recycling, collects over 70% of used battery packs in North America, processing more than 20 GWh annually. The company’s new goal is to achieve 20 GWh of grid-scale storage by 2028, potentially outpacing its core recycling business. Redwood’s expansion reflects a strategic response to not only capitalize on a growing market but also to secure its role in the emerging second-life battery market. With significant backing and partnerships, Redwood aims to transform used EV batteries into a vital energy resource.
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