Natron Energy announces plans for first US sodium-ion battery gigafactory in North Carolina

Natron Energy, Inc., a global leader in sodium-ion battery technology, has unveiled plans to construct the first sodium-ion battery gigafactory in the United States, with a total investment of approximately US $1.4 billion. This ambitious project, set to be located in Edgecombe County, North Carolina, aims to produce 24 gigawatts (GW) of Natron’s pioneering sodium-ion batteries annually once it reaches full capacity.

The facility is nearly 1.2 million square foot, which will be situated on the 437-acre Kingsboro megasite. The investment is supported in part by a Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) recently approved by North Carolina’s Economic Investment Committee. The announcement was made today by Governor Roy Cooper at an event in Edgecombe County attended by Natron executives, North Carolina Commerce Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders, and various local officials.

“Today marks a momentous day for Natron Energy,” said Colin Wessells, Founder and Co-CEO of Natron Energy. “This flagship manufacturing facility will significantly accelerate our efforts to deliver sodium-ion batteries to customers who are seeking safe, reliable, and environmentally responsible energy storage solutions. After evaluating over 70 sites across nine states, we found that North Carolina, with its leadership in the clean energy revolution, is the perfect location for this project. We are proud to partner with the state on this ambitious endeavour to bring high-quality jobs to the community while advancing the electrification of our economy. We look forward to joining the Edgecombe County business community.”

The Edgecombe County facility will enable a 40-fold increase in Natron’s current production capacity, supporting over 1,000 high-quality local clean energy jobs at full operational capacity. Natron’s sodium-ion batteries, which are the only UL-listed products of their kind currently available, will be supplied to a variety of industrial power markets, including data centres, electric vehicle (EV) fast charging, microgrids, telecom, and mobility sectors.

“North Carolina’s momentum in the clean energy economy reaches epic proportions with today’s news,” said Governor Cooper. “Natron Energy’s decision to establish this large and unique battery factory in our state will help the nation reduce greenhouse gas emissions while creating good jobs in Rocky Mount, Nash and Edgecombe counties, and many other places in eastern North Carolina.”

The project is also expected to benefit from the North Carolina Megasite Readiness Program, a new state grant initiative designed to prepare or upgrade qualifying industrial sites. Edgecombe County is anticipated to apply for a $30 million grant from this programme, further facilitating the development of the gigafactory.

“This facility advances Natron Energy’s position as the leader of the next battery revolution,” said Wendell Brooks, Co-CEO of Natron Energy. “Once operational, the Edgecombe County facility will accelerate Natron’s growth trajectory, allowing us to capitalise on the growing demand for efficient, safe, and reliable sodium-ion battery energy storage. We’re proud to be leading the charge in the development of a domestic battery supply chain, and we’re grateful for the partnership of local and state officials here in North Carolina.”

Natron’s patented Prussian blue electrodes, which store and transfer sodium-ions with greater speed and lower internal resistance than any other commercial battery on the market, are a key component of the company’s innovative technology. Unlike traditional lithium-ion batteries, Natron’s sodium-ion batteries experience zero strain during charging and discharge, offer ten times faster cycling, and boast a cycle life of over 50,000. The batteries are also environmentally and socially responsible, made from common materials such as aluminium, iron, manganese, and sodium electrolyte, without the need for lithium, cobalt, nickel, or other difficult-to-obtain minerals.

The North Carolina Department of Commerce played a central role in recruiting Natron Energy, with assistance from several state, regional, and local organisations. Natron also expressed its gratitude to firms including Savills, Boundary Stone Partners, Womble Bond Dickinson, DARCAS Inc., O’Neal Inc., and Quest Site Solutions for their contributions to the successful site selection process.

Natron Energy’s new gigafactory in Edgecombe County is set to play a crucial role in the advancement of the clean energy economy, both in North Carolina and across the United States.