Dutch sustainable energy company InnoEnergy, supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), has partnered with New Energy New York (NENY) to develop a battery manufacturing and supply chain workforce in Upstate New York. The parties have signed a three-year deal worth $1.29 million.

NENY—an initiative led by Binghamton University, comprising a coalition of academic, non-profit and government organizations in collaboration industry—aims to develop a competitive battery development and manufacturing ecosystem in New York, including a well-trained workforce. 

Through the partnership, NENY will use EIT InnoEnergy’s learning services platform, the European Battery Alliance Academy (EBA Academy), which is aimed at training current and prospective members of the battery workforce and includes curriculum, train-the-trainer services, a learning management system and insights into delivery methods.

The agreement will also include access to the EBA Academy’s programs for battery technicians and battery storage experts. The program for battery technicians will deliver 80 hours of learning, both online classes and in-person training. It will focus on up-skilling manual labor factory professionals working across the battery value chain. 

“The value in any breakthrough in battery technology is its scalability,” said Oana Penu, EBA Academy Director, EIT InnoEnergy. “By connecting and training the right people, we help plug skills gaps, fill market niches and maximize the potential of every student, worker and entrepreneur we support.” 

Source: EIT InnoEnergy