EVelution Energy Launches Solar Construction for First U.S. Commercial-Scale Cobalt Processing Facility
EVelution Energy LLC has reached a major milestone in its mission to establish a secure domestic critical minerals supply chain by beginning construction of the solar power infrastructure that will support what is planned to become the first commercial-scale cobalt metal and cobalt sulfate processing facility in the United States. The company announced that work has officially commenced on the 28-megawatt solar installation that will provide renewable electricity for its flagship cobalt processing complex in Yuma County, Arizona.
The start of construction represents a significant advancement for both the project and the broader U.S. effort to strengthen domestic production of critical minerals essential to electric vehicles, defense technologies, aerospace manufacturing, and clean energy applications. Rather than relying on conventional power sources, the company is integrating renewable energy directly into the facility’s design, creating a vertically integrated operation that combines cobalt processing with large-scale solar generation and battery storage.
Construction activities officially began with the installation of the first permanent structural steel mounting piles across the project’s approximately 150-acre solar site. These piles serve as the foundational supports for the thousands of solar panels that will eventually generate electricity for the cobalt processing facility. Installed according to detailed engineering specifications and the project’s approved construction plans, the steel foundations mark the first permanent infrastructure to be placed on the solar site and signal the transition from project planning to active construction.
The solar installation forms a central component of EVelution Energy’s long-term strategy to establish a resilient, American-based critical minerals supply chain supported by domestic manufacturing, renewable energy, and advanced engineering capabilities. The company believes that integrating clean energy into mineral processing operations will not only reduce operational emissions but also improve long-term energy security while supporting domestic industrial development.
A key objective of the project is maximizing the use of American-made materials and services throughout construction. EVelution Energy has committed to incorporating domestically produced structural steel, U.S.-manufactured equipment, and engineering expertise wherever possible. This strategy aligns with broader national initiatives aimed at rebuilding domestic manufacturing capacity and reducing dependence on overseas suppliers for critical infrastructure and strategic materials.
The latest construction milestone follows several important achievements in the project’s phased development program. Over the past year, the company has continued advancing permitting activities, commercial partnerships, engineering work, and project planning necessary to move the Arizona facility toward full-scale development. Beginning physical construction of the solar infrastructure demonstrates continued progress as the company works toward commercial operations later this decade.
Solar Infrastructure Construction Begins
The installation of the first steel piles represents the initial phase of constructing the extensive solar array that will eventually power the cobalt processing facility. Once completed, the solar installation will include thousands of photovoltaic panels mounted on the structural foundations now being placed across the project site.
Construction is proceeding under a binding engineering, procurement, and construction agreement, with detailed engineering drawings prepared and approved by Aquila Energy, which is serving as the project’s Solar EPC contractor. Engineering support and project integration services are also being provided by M3 Engineering & Technology Corporation, ensuring coordination between the solar installation and the future cobalt processing plant.
The current phase focuses on installing the permanent structural foundations that will support the solar array. Subsequent construction stages will include installation of racking systems, photovoltaic panels, electrical infrastructure, civil works, battery storage systems, and associated grid interconnection equipment.
Project timelines indicate that construction of the complete solar facility will continue throughout 2026 and into 2027. Work will proceed in carefully planned phases, allowing civil construction, electrical installations, and mechanical systems to advance in sequence. The renewable energy infrastructure is expected to be fully integrated with the cobalt processing facility before commercial production begins.
EVelution Energy expects the cobalt processing plant to reach commercial operation by the end of 2029, with the solar facility serving as its primary source of electricity.
Commenting on the milestone, President and Chief Executive Officer Navaid Alam described the groundbreaking as another important step toward restoring domestic critical minerals processing capacity in the United States. He emphasized that the installation of the first steel piles marks the beginning of the renewable energy system that will support the country’s first commercial-scale cobalt metal and cobalt sulfate processing facility while highlighting the company’s commitment to utilizing American-made steel, engineering expertise, and manufacturing throughout the project.
Renewable Energy Designed for Industrial Operations
The 28-megawatt solar facility is being constructed on company-owned property in Yuma County, Arizona, an area recognized as one of the nation’s premier solar generation locations due to its abundant sunshine and favorable climate. These geographic advantages make the region particularly well suited for large-scale renewable energy projects capable of supplying industrial operations.
Once operational, the solar installation is expected to generate sufficient electricity to power the cobalt processing complex entirely through renewable energy during normal operating conditions. This approach is designed to significantly reduce reliance on conventional power generation while supporting lower-carbon production of critical battery materials.
To improve operational flexibility, the project will also incorporate battery energy storage systems capable of storing excess electricity produced during peak solar generation periods. Stored energy can then be used to support facility operations when solar production declines or during periods of increased electricity demand.
Any surplus electricity generated beyond the facility’s operational requirements may also be exported to the local electrical grid, providing an additional contribution to regional renewable energy resources.
The company has further committed to utilizing 100 percent American-made structural steel throughout the construction of the solar array, battery storage facilities, and cobalt processing infrastructure. This commitment reflects EVelution Energy’s broader objective of strengthening domestic manufacturing capabilities while supporting American suppliers across multiple industrial sectors.
Supporting America’s Critical Minerals Supply Chain
Construction of the solar facility represents only one component of EVelution Energy’s broader vision for creating a comprehensive domestic critical minerals processing platform in Arizona.
The company plans to integrate cobalt processing operations with renewable electricity generation, battery storage technologies, and future recycling capabilities into a single industrial complex. This integrated approach is intended to improve supply chain resilience while supporting growing domestic demand for strategically important battery materials.
Cobalt remains one of the most essential materials used in advanced lithium-ion batteries, high-performance aerospace alloys, defense systems, industrial superalloys, and numerous advanced manufacturing applications. However, much of the world’s cobalt refining capacity currently exists outside the United States, creating supply chain vulnerabilities that have become an increasing focus for policymakers and industry leaders.
By establishing domestic processing capacity, EVelution Energy aims to reduce dependence on imported refined cobalt products while providing American manufacturers with a reliable domestic source of battery-grade materials.
Planned Production Capacity
When construction is complete, the Yuma County facility is expected to become the first commercial-scale producer of both cobalt metal and cobalt sulfate in the United States.
The plant is designed to process approximately 24,000 metric tons of cobalt hydroxide feedstock annually. From this material, the facility is expected to manufacture two primary products that serve different industrial markets.
Annual production is projected to include up to 20,000 metric tons of electric vehicle battery-grade cobalt sulfate, containing approximately 4,000 metric tons of cobalt, for use by battery manufacturers serving the rapidly expanding EV industry.
In addition, the facility is expected to produce approximately 3,000 metric tons of alloy-grade cobalt metal each year. This material supports industries including aerospace, defense, specialty manufacturing, and other high-performance industrial applications requiring cobalt-containing alloys.
Based on current market projections, EVelution Energy estimates that the facility could eventually supply roughly 40 percent of anticipated U.S. cobalt demand, making it one of the country’s most strategically important critical minerals projects.
Economic Benefits for Arizona
Beyond strengthening domestic supply chains, the project is expected to deliver substantial economic benefits to Arizona and the surrounding region.
The company’s planned $450 million investment is projected to generate approximately $1.2 billion in annual economic activity across the state through direct operations, supplier purchases, construction spending, and broader economic impacts.
Over the life of the project, EVelution Energy estimates the development will support more than 6,200 direct, indirect, and induced jobs, creating employment opportunities across construction, engineering, manufacturing, transportation, professional services, and facility operations.
The facility will be located near Tacna in rural Yuma County within a federally designated Qualified Opportunity Zone. By locating the project in this area, the company aims to encourage long-term industrial investment, strengthen regional supply chains, and create skilled employment opportunities in a community identified for economic revitalization.
The project site’s census tract is also currently under consideration for redesignation by Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs as part of the next generation of the federal Opportunity Zone program. If approved, the designation would further reinforce the project’s alignment with long-term economic development objectives for rural Arizona while supporting continued investment in advanced manufacturing and clean energy infrastructure.
As construction progresses over the coming years, EVelution Energy’s integrated approach—combining renewable energy generation, domestic cobalt processing, and American manufacturing—positions the project as a significant contributor to the nation’s growing critical minerals industry. With solar construction now officially underway, the company has taken another major step toward establishing a domestic source of cobalt materials designed to support the future needs of America’s electric vehicle, aerospace, defense, and advanced manufacturing sectors.
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