Draslovka Partners with U.S. Manufacturer Natron Energy to Expand into Sodium-Ion Batteries
Draslovka a.s. (“Draslovka” or the “Company”), a global leader in sustainability-driven technologies, chemical reagents, and services for mining and energy transition, is thrilled to announce a groundbreaking research and development (R&D) partnership with Natron Energy, Inc. (“Natron”), a premier U.S. manufacturer specializing in sodium-ion batteries. This partnership marks a significant milestone in the expansion and commercialization of high-quality Prussian blue materials, which are essential to Natron’s proprietary sodium-ion battery technology. Through this collaboration, Draslovka will contribute its advanced research capabilities, cutting-edge production methods, and extensive logistics infrastructure across both North America and Europe to support the growing demand for sustainable energy storage solutions.
Strategic Collaboration for Advanced Battery Technology
Draslovka’s expertise in specialty chemical manufacturing will play a crucial role in this partnership, enabling the efficient production and supply of Prussian blue materials—an essential component for Natron’s innovative sodium-ion battery design. Sodium-ion batteries are increasingly recognized as a promising alternative to lithium-ion technology, particularly for short-term energy storage applications, such as data centers, which require reliable and scalable power solutions. By leveraging its deep-rooted knowledge in proprietary chemistry and industrial manufacturing, Draslovka will ensure that Natron’s sodium-ion batteries are equipped with the highest quality materials, optimizing performance and longevity.
A key aspect of this agreement is the utilization of Draslovka’s state-of-the-art chemical plant in Kolin, Czech Republic. This facility, which already possesses the necessary permits, is being expanded to serve as a reference production site for Prussian blue material. The construction of this facility is well underway, with designs in place to make it a model for future large-scale production plants. The new site in Kolin is expected to set the stage for further expansion in the U.S., where Draslovka aims to support Natron’s growing battery production needs.
Establishing a Scalable and Sustainable Production Framework
As part of its long-term vision, Draslovka intends to scale up its operations to meet the increasing global demand for sodium-ion batteries. By 2026, the Kolin facility is projected to supply Natron with the Prussian blue materials necessary to double its battery manufacturing capacity. This expansion underscores Draslovka’s commitment to fostering sustainable energy solutions while strengthening the global supply chain for sodium-ion batteries.
Beyond its immediate objectives, this partnership aligns with Draslovka’s broader strategy of transitioning towards value-added proprietary technologies and sustainable industrial solutions. The Company has been actively pursuing environmentally friendly initiatives that reduce dependence on critical raw materials from high-risk geopolitical regions. Through its exclusive agreement with Natron, Draslovka is taking a significant step towards reducing the global reliance on lithium-ion batteries, which require scarce and often ethically sourced minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel.
Sodium-ion technology presents a sustainable and cost-effective alternative, particularly in applications where lithium-ion batteries may not be ideal. These batteries offer advantages in terms of safety, raw material availability, and supply chain resilience, making them a preferred choice for industries seeking more sustainable energy storage solutions.
Enhancing Supply Chain Security and Market Expansion
A fundamental goal of this partnership is to create a more secure and resilient supply chain for sodium-ion battery production in both the U.S. and Europe. The battery industry is currently facing mounting pressure to diversify its material sources and reduce reliance on supply chains that are vulnerable to geopolitical instability and market fluctuations. By establishing a robust supply network for Prussian blue materials, Draslovka and Natron are proactively addressing these concerns and ensuring a steady supply of critical materials for next-generation battery technologies.
Pavel Bruzek, CEO of Draslovka, emphasized the transformative impact of this collaboration, stating: “We are excited to partner with Natron on this pioneering project, which not only raises the bar for sustainability but also cements sodium-ion batteries as a viable, economically attractive option for energy storage. This agreement is a strong testament to Draslovka’s expertise in specialty chemistry, which is instrumental in making this project a reality. Our partnership with Natron represents another major step in our strategic transformation towards high-value, proprietary technologies and sustainable solutions for global industries.”
Bruzek further highlighted Draslovka’s ambitions for geographic expansion, particularly in the U.S., where the Company is actively exploring options to establish additional production facilities. He noted, “While today we are announcing a new facility in the EU, we are already assessing concrete opportunities to build manufacturing capabilities in the U.S. As the demand for sodium-ion batteries continues to grow, we anticipate establishing new production plants in key locations across North America to support this technological advancement.”
Industry Experts Weigh in on the Future of Battery Technology
The partnership between Draslovka and Natron has garnered significant attention from industry experts, who recognize the growing importance of sodium-ion batteries in the global energy transition. Martin Viecha, a member of Draslovka’s Advisory Board and former Vice President of Investor Relations at Tesla, underscored the necessity of diversifying battery technologies to meet increasing energy demands.
Viecha commented: “A full transition to sustainable energy is both inevitable and crucial. This shift will require a dramatic expansion in battery production—potentially tenfold or more—over the coming years as global energy consumption continues to rise. Relying solely on lithium-ion batteries is not a sustainable long-term solution; sodium-ion batteries are emerging as a compelling alternative for specific applications. Draslovka’s extensive expertise in chemical manufacturing uniquely positions it to contribute to the future of sodium-ion battery technology.”
Wendell Brooks, CEO of Natron, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the strategic importance of this partnership. “We are pleased to be joining forces with Draslovka on this exciting venture to advance sustainable and safe battery technologies. The energy storage industry is experiencing unprecedented growth, and sodium-ion technology provides numerous advantages over lithium-ion for a wide range of customer applications. This includes data centers, which are facing increased energy demands due to the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing. By collaborating with Draslovka, we are ensuring that our technology is supported by a strong and reliable supply chain, setting the stage for long-term industry leadership.”
The partnership between Draslovka and Natron marks a critical turning point in the development and commercialization of sodium-ion battery technology. With a shared commitment to sustainability, innovation, and supply chain security, both companies are poised to play a pivotal role in the future of energy storage.
Draslovka’s investment in production infrastructure, coupled with its deep expertise in chemical manufacturing, will provide Natron with the high-quality materials needed to accelerate the adoption of sodium-ion batteries. As the industry moves towards greener and more cost-effective energy storage solutions, this partnership stands as a testament to the power of collaboration in driving technological progress.
With plans for further expansion in both Europe and the U.S., Draslovka and Natron are laying the groundwork for a more resilient and sustainable energy future. This agreement not only solidifies their leadership in the sodium-ion battery space but also paves the way for continued advancements in battery technology that will benefit industries worldwide. As the global transition to renewable energy accelerates, partnerships like this will be instrumental in ensuring a stable and secure energy storage ecosystem for years to come.
