Natron Energy is investing $1.4 billion to establish a Sodium-ion Battery factory in North Carolina. The investment will create more than 1,000 jobs in Edgecombe County.
Sodium-ion Battery Factory in N.C.
Natron Energy, America’s sole Sodium-ion Battery manufacturer, announced its plans on August 15. The new plant will be built at the Kingsboro CSX Select Megasite. This site is near Rocky Mount, Edgecombe County, and spans 2,187 acres of shovel-ready land.
Natron’s new jobs will have an attractive average salary of $64,071. This significantly exceeds Edgecombe County’s average wage of $43,183. The economic boost is expected to have an annual payroll impact of almost $77 million.
Megasite Readiness Program
North Carolina’s legislative session in 2022 established the Megasite Readiness Program. The Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) was tasked with overseeing this initiative. Initially, $1 million was allocated to identify development sites. Later, significant grant opportunities were added. This resulted in $10 million for fiscal year 2023-24 and $97.8 million for 2024-25. Natron became the first recipient. However, funds are subject to final approval by EDPNC’s board.
Christopher Chung, CEO at EDPNC, emphasized the importance of this funding. He stated, “With this funding, the state can support recruiting more large projects like Natron’s.” This initiative should positively impact Edgecombe County and the state’s megasites.
Natron’s Pioneering Role
Founded in California in 2012, Natron focuses on ultra-safe and high-powered batteries. It stands out as the sole Sodium-ion Battery manufacturer in the U.S. By 2020, its Sodium-ion Battery became the first to receive UL 1973 listing. This listing allows deployment in data centers, forklifts, and EV fast-charging spots. Earlier, Natron opened a facility in Holland, Michigan. This was the first Sodium-ion Battery production plant in North America. The upcoming facility in North Carolina will enhance this existing capacity.
Natron’s investment aligns with North Carolina’s economic development goals. By leveraging megasites, the state positions itself at the forefront of advanced battery production.
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