Redwood Materials has a new business: Helping AI data centers avoid America's backed-up electric grid

What happened: Redwood Materials is pitching on-site "behind-the-meter" energy systems that pair second-life EV batteries with solar and other power sources, letting AI data centers generate and store electricity without waiting for grid connections. Key numbers: A 10-megawatt-hour installation at Rivian's Illinois factory. Why it matters: CEO JB Straubel cites years-long grid connection waits as the underlying problem, and Redwood is expanding from battery recycling into a broader energy offering, with Rivian and a Crusoe data center among its customers.

Redwood Materials is pitching on-site "behind-the-meter" energy systems that pair second-life EV batteries with solar and other power sources, letting AI data centers generate and store electricity without waiting for grid connections.

CEO JB Straubel cites years-long grid connection waits as the underlying problem, and Redwood is expanding from battery recycling into a broader energy offering, with Rivian and a Crusoe data center among its customers.