Atmospheric water harvesting company gets $1 million in state incentives to open facility near Newark

An atmospheric water harvesting company has received more than $1 million in state incentives to open its headquarters near Newark.

AirJoule is leasing a 30,000-square-foot facility on Shea Way in the Delaware Industrial Park, off South Chapel Street just south of city limits. That site will host the company's main office and manufacturing facility, and the company is also leasing a small space in Wilmington for research and development activities.

The company, which is a joint venture between GE Vernova Inc. and Montana Technologies Corp., manufactures an energy-efficient system that dehumidifies buildings while also harvesting potable water from the air.

Officials said the AirJoule system can reduce commercial HVAC carbon emissions, eliminate the need for refrigerants and can work in both humid and arid environments. The concept was developed by researchers at the Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.

“We are thrilled to be establishing our main office and manufacturing facility in the vibrant state of Delaware,” AirJoule CEO Bryan Barton said. “Delaware’s dynamic business environment and talented workforce make it the ideal location to locate our operations.”

The company plans to invest more than $15 million to renovate and outfit the Shea Way facility. It anticipates hiring up to 60 employees to work there, with salaries ranging from $60,000 to $100,000.

The Council on Development Finance awarded AirJoule a Jobs Performance Grant of up to $540,000 and a Capital Expenditure Grant of up to $460,650 from the Delaware Strategic Fund.

“This is exciting news for Delaware. AirJoule’s decision to bring administrative, manufacturing and research operations to the First State creates a variety of job opportunities for Delawareans,” Gov. John Carney said.

Economic development officials said AirJoule’s location in Delaware will further strengthen the state’s advanced chemical and materials science industries while contributing to global decarbonization initiatives.

“Congratulations to AirJoule on the location of their main office and manufacturing center in Newark, along with their cutting-edge R&D site in Wilmington,” New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer said. “Their commitment to pioneering atmospheric water harvesting through innovation and collaboration is truly inspiring, and we wish them a future filled with sustainable solutions and impactful advancements.”