WASHINGTON – This afternoon, the Department of Energy announced the most recent recipients of funding through its Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E). Among the awardees is Phinix, LLC, a high-tech recycling and energy management company based in Lexington, Kentucky.
Based on the strength of its application, Phinix will receive over $600,000 for the research and development of an electrochemical process to extract high-quality magnesium from scrap metal for reuse in manufacturing, as part of ARPA-E’s brand new METALS program.
ARPA-E is a Department of Energy agency charged with identifying and supporting cutting edge technologies to provide clean, affordable energy for American families and businesses. It is modeled after the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), which, among other breakthroughs, developed the basis for the modern Internet. ARPA-E seeks to develop similarly valuable innovations within the energy sector by leveraging the power of public-private partnerships.
Phinix, LLC was founded in September 2008 in Lexington by Dr. Subodh Das, following an illustrious academic and professional career. Dr. Das served for four years as an adjunct professor at the University of Kentucky, during which time he founded UK’s Center for Aluminum Technology. Phinix provides concept development and consulting services in the areas of aluminum production, metal recycling, energy efficiency and conservation, and carbon management.
“I congratulate Phinix, LLC as it is announced that the company’s innovative metal recycling project will receive funding from ARPA-E following a competitive review process,” said Congressman Andy Barr. “Phinix’s presence in Lexington, established following Dr. Subodh Das’s tenure at the University of Kentucky, demonstrates the important role of the Commonwealth’s university system in providing an educated workforce for the industries of the future. The University of Kentucky is an important component of what makes the environment in central Kentucky ideal for attracting the entrepreneurs and high-tech startups, such as Phinix, which are poised to revolutionize our economy and create highly skilled manufacturing jobs.”
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