There is another possible scenario here which has not been...

There is another possible scenario here which has not been mentioned.
We know that ESS sought expressions of interest from possible offtake partners. We can also assume from what has been said that ESS sought construction finance from such partner/partners. We also know that there is/will be, people desperate to obtain a supply of lithium chemicals from a source in the USA or countries with a free trade agreement with the USA - e g, Australia. It must now be apparent to any interested party that they have a very short window to negotiate a deal with ESS if they want to be assured of supply. I believe that no such negotiations can take place while the scheme is in existence. The next few days may be interesting.