High capacity battery manufacturing could boost Midwest economy significantly, says U of M report

Strong policies by the federal government that tip the scale toward the use of alternative energy and high capacity batteries could mean significant financial gain for the Midwest's manufacturing base, according to a new report just released by Climate Group and the University of Michigan.

According to excerpts from the story:

If the federal government implements strong energy policies that encourage alternative energy and use of cutting edge high-capacity batteries, the Midwest's manufacturing hub stands to gain significantly, according to a report by the nonprofit Climate Group and the University of Michigan.

"American Innovation: Manufacturing Low Carbon Technologies in the Midwest" looks at the impacts on wind turbine, hybrid powertrain and advanced battery manufacturing. The study anticipates three factors – a $17 per ton price on carbon, a green economic stimulus program, and a 20 percent federal renewable electricity standard by 2020.

Read the complete story here.