Strategically Positioning California and Western States in the Next-Generation Battery Economy

​​Amid shifts in U.S. federal policy, it is essential that American battery innovation be incubated and protected at the subnational level—a key opportunity for California and other Western states.

​As part of SF Climate Week 2026, California Forward (CA FWD); Carnegie California, the West coast center of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace; and the New Energy Industrial Strategy Center (NEISC) will host a private event to discuss the role of California and the broader Western state region in the next-generation battery supply chain.

​​This event will highlight insights from research from Carnegie Endowment for International Peace’s Sustainability, Climate, and Geopolitics Program on next-generation battery opportunities for the U.S. as a whole. It will also leverage CA FWD’s expertise in regions-up economic development to facilitate a productive conversation on specific opportunities for California and other Western states.

​​Over a series of panel and full-room conversations, participants will discuss tactical, realistic opportunities for fostering a strong battery sector in the Western U.S.; the role for state industrial policy; and models for regional collaboration. Invitees will include representatives from industry, state policymakers, and civil society. The event will be followed by a reception with light bites and refreshments from 5:30-6:30. Carnegie, CA FWD, and NEISC will capture and publish major takeaways from the event to inform policy discussions in California and beyond.