First large-scale, U.S.-owned advanced electrolyte production facility will create 110 permanent jobs and support 390 construction jobs
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (August 20, 2026) — Anthro Energy has broken ground on a more than $40 million advanced battery materials manufacturing facility in Louisville, Kentucky. The company’s first operation in the commonwealth will create 110 full-time jobs and support approximately 390 construction jobs.
Originally announced in January 2025, the project represents Anthro Energy’s first commercial-scale manufacturing facility. It is also expected to become the first large-scale, U.S.-owned and operated advanced electrolyte production facility in the country.
Anthro Energy’s Louisville Investment at a Glance
- More than $40 million in capital investment
- 110 full-time Kentucky jobs
- Approximately 390 construction jobs
- First commercial-scale facility operated by Anthro Energy
- More than 12,000 metric tons of annual production capacity
- First large-scale, U.S.-owned advanced electrolyte production facility
- Applications in the consumer, defense, automotive and micromobility industries
“Kentucky continues to lead the nation in advanced manufacturing, and today’s groundbreaking marks another exciting step forward for our commonwealth,” Gov. Andy Beshear said. “Anthro Energy’s investment will create quality jobs for Kentucky families, strengthen our growing battery and energy storage sector and further establish Kentucky as the destination of choice for innovative companies building the future right here in America.”
Louisville Facility Will Produce Advanced Battery Electrolytes
Anthro Energy’s Louisville manufacturing operation will produce advanced electrolytes for next-generation battery applications.
The company has developed a proprietary injectable phase-change electrolyte known as Anthro Proteus. The technology can be adapted for battery products serving several industries, including consumer electronics, micromobility, defense and automotive manufacturing.
Once the Louisville facility becomes operational, Anthro Energy expects it to produce more than 12,000 metric tons of injectable phase-change electrolyte annually.
The project will create a variety of highly skilled positions, including:
- Production manufacturing technicians
- Process and control engineers
- Facility managers
- Accounting professionals
- Maintenance technicians
- Warehouse technicians
“As demand for advanced batteries continues to grow, rebuilding domestic manufacturing capacity for critical battery materials has become a national priority,” Anthro Energy CEO and co-founder David Mackanic said. “Today’s groundbreaking represents much more than the start of construction; it marks the beginning of a new chapter for American battery manufacturing.”
Mackanic said producing advanced electrolytes domestically will strengthen the nation’s battery supply chain while supporting the development of safer and higher-performing energy-storage technologies.
“By producing advanced electrolytes here in the United States, we’re helping build a more resilient domestic supply chain while enabling the next generation of safer, higher-performing batteries,” he added.
Project Strengthens U.S. Battery Supply Chain
Anthro Energy’s Louisville investment comes as battery manufacturers and policymakers place greater emphasis on expanding domestic production of critical materials.
Advanced electrolytes are essential components in rechargeable batteries, transporting ions between a battery’s electrodes during charging and use. Anthro Energy’s technology is designed to address a longstanding industry challenge involving the balance between energy density and battery safety.
The Louisville facility will help establish a domestic source for these advanced materials while serving customers in industries critical to the nation’s energy, transportation and defense sectors.
“Eight months ago, we announced that Anthro Energy would build its first U.S.-owned electrolyte production facility right here in Louisville,” Mayor Craig Greenberg said. “Today, we’re breaking ground on that promise.”
Greenberg said the new operation will strengthen the American battery and energy supply chain while reinforcing Louisville’s position as a center for advanced manufacturing.
“This facility strengthens America’s battery and energy supply chain right here in our South End, and it’s a clear sign that Louisville is the epicenter for American advanced manufacturing,” he said.
Anthro Energy Plans Louisville Workforce Partnerships
In addition to constructing the manufacturing facility, Anthro Energy plans to recruit and train the next generation of advanced manufacturing workers in Louisville and Jefferson County.
The company intends to develop workforce, education and recruitment partnerships with organizations including:
- KentuckianaWorks
- Jefferson Community and Technical College
- Kentucky Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education
- U.S. Army Fort Campbell
- Kentucky Valor
These partnerships will help connect students, veterans, job seekers and existing workers with training and career opportunities in battery materials production and advanced manufacturing.
“From announcement to groundbreaking in less than a year, Anthro Energy’s progress reflects the kind of momentum we want every company to experience in Louisville,” One Louisville CEO Trevor Pawl said. “This is a project that strengthens our national energy supply chain and creates real opportunity for Louisville workers building the batteries that power our defense, mobility and automotive industries.”
Pawl also noted Anthro Energy’s existing connection to Kentucky. The company’s co-founder and chief technology officer is a Kentucky native and graduate of the University of Kentucky.
“It’s fitting that Anthro’s own co-founder and chief technology officer is a Kentucky native and University of Kentucky alum, proof that the talent this industry needs has been here all along,” Pawl said. “That’s the promise of One Louisville: connecting great companies with the talent, sites and support they need to grow right here at home.”
Kentucky’s Advanced Battery Manufacturing Sector Continues to Grow
The Anthro Energy project adds to Kentucky’s expanding battery, electric vehicle and energy-storage manufacturing industry.
Kentucky has attracted investments throughout the advanced battery supply chain, including battery-cell manufacturing, recycling, component production and supporting materials. Anthro Energy’s electrolyte facility adds another specialized capability to the commonwealth’s growing advanced manufacturing ecosystem.
The Louisville operation will also support Kentucky’s broader efforts to attract technology-driven manufacturers, expand domestic supply chains and create skilled employment opportunities.
About Anthro Energy
Founded in 2021, Anthro Energy is an advanced materials and battery technology company developing scalable electrolyte solutions designed to improve battery safety and energy density.
The company delivered its first prototype battery cells to customers during its founding year. It has since established a production facility in California, earned critical battery certifications and shipped its first commercial product.
Anthro Energy develops electrolyte technology for customers across the consumer electronics, micromobility, defense, automotive and energy-storage industries.
