Natron Energy, a global leader in sodium-ion battery technology, has announced plans to construct the first sodium-ion battery gigafactory in the United States. This new facility, set to be built in Edgecombe County, NC, will be capable of producing 24 gigawatts of Natron’s advanced sodium-ion batteries annually at full capacity. The 1.2 million square foot facility, situated on the 437-acre Kingsboro megasite, represents a significant investment of approximately $1.4 billion. This development is supported by a Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) approved earlier today by the state’s Economic Investment Committee. Governor Roy Cooper made the announcement at an event in Edgecombe County, joined by Natron executives, North Carolina Commerce Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders, and other local officials.
“Today marks a pivotal moment for Natron Energy. This new manufacturing facility will greatly accelerate our ability to provide safe, reliable, and environmentally friendly energy storage solutions,” said Colin Wessells, Founder and co-CEO of Natron Energy. “After reviewing over 70 sites across nine states, we determined that North Carolina’s leadership in the clean energy sector made it the ideal location for our project. We are excited to work with the state to bring high-quality jobs to the community and advance the electrification of our economy. We look forward to becoming a part of the Edgecombe County business community.”
The Edgecombe County facility will expand Natron’s production capacity by 40 times, significantly advancing the company’s technology commercialization while creating over 1,000 local clean energy jobs once fully operational. Natron’s sodium-ion batteries, the only UL-listed sodium-ion batteries available today, will serve a variety of industrial applications including data centers, EV fast charging, microgrids, and telecom, among others.
“Today’s announcement represents a major leap forward for North Carolina’s clean energy economy,” said Governor Cooper. “Natron Energy’s decision to build this groundbreaking battery factory in our state will not only help reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also create valuable jobs in Rocky Mount, Nash, Edgecombe counties, and other areas in eastern North Carolina.”
The project will benefit from a Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG), approved earlier today by the state’s Economic Investment Committee. Over the 12-year term of the grant, the project is expected to boost the state’s economy by $3.4 billion. The JDIG agreement allows for a potential reimbursement of up to $21,747,000 to Natron over the grant’s duration. Additionally, the project will receive support through the North Carolina Megasite Readiness Program, a new state grant initiative aimed at preparing industrial sites for economic development. Edgecombe County is anticipated to apply for a $30 million grant from this fund.
“This facility solidifies Natron Energy’s position as a leader in the next generation of battery technology,” said Wendell Brooks, co-CEO of Natron Energy. “Once operational, the Edgecombe County facility will significantly enhance our growth potential, enabling us to meet the rising demand for efficient, safe, and reliable sodium-ion battery storage. We are proud to be at the forefront of developing a domestic battery supply chain and are grateful for the support of local and state officials.”
Natron’s patented Prussian blue electrodes facilitate faster sodium-ion transfer with lower internal resistance compared to other commercial batteries. Their technology boasts zero strain during charging and discharging, offers 10 times faster cycling than traditional lithium-ion batteries, and supports over 50,000 cycles. Unlike lithium-ion batteries, Natron’s batteries use only easily sourced materials such as aluminum, iron, manganese, and sodium electrolyte, providing an environmentally and socially responsible alternative.
The North Carolina Department of Commerce led the state’s efforts to recruit Natron Energy, working with various state, regional, and local organizations. Natron extends its thanks to Savills, Boundary Stone Partners, Womble Bond Dickinson, DARCAS Inc., O’Neal Inc., and Quest Site Solutions for their support in the successful site selection process.
