South Raleigh News

Natron Energy, Inc., a global leader in sodium-ion battery technology, will build the first sodium-ion battery gigafactory in the United States at the Kingsboro megasite, creating more than 1,000 jobs, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will invest nearly $1.4 billion in Edgecombe County.

“North Carolina’s momentum in the clean energy economy reaches epic proportions with today’s news,” said Governor Cooper. “Natron Energy’s choice to build 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.”

Natron Energy, founded in 2012 with headquarters in Santa Clara, California, is a pioneer in the research, development, and manufacture of sodium-ion batteries (NIBs). Natron’s innovative battery cells leverage the company’s patented Prussian blue electrodes to deliver safe, high-power, long-life battery energy storage solutions. The company’s batteries outperform incumbent technologies like lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries across many performance measures such as cycle life and power density without the need for rare earth metals and critical minerals such as cobalt or lithium. Importantly, Natron’s sodium-ion batteries are non-flammable and cannot be induced to thermal runaway, creating a safer solution than counterparts on the market today.

Applications for Natron’s products include backup power systems for AI data centers, military and defense uses, and powering electric vehicle (EV) fast charging stations among others. This application flexibility provides a broad customer base for the company as it sees increased demand across a wide range of end market segments. The company’s project in North Carolina will establish operations at the Kingsboro Business Park.

“North Carolina, with its leadership in clean energy manufacturing and commitment to fostering innovation, is an ideal home for Natron and this groundbreaking facility,” said Colin Wessells, Founder and co-CEO of Natron Energy. “This facility will drastically increase the company’s production capacity, creating a sustainable growth trajectory as we seek to fundamentally change the way that industrial power is used. We’re grateful for the partnership of Governor Cooper, Secretary Sanders, and various state and local officials for their support. We look forward to becoming a member of the North Carolina business community for years to come.”

“As the world progresses toward a clean energy future, business operators are increasingly in need of safe, reliable, and efficient energy storage systems,” said Wendell Brooks, co-CEO of Natron Energy. “The Kingsboro megasite offers not only ideal site characteristics but access to a world-class labor force and a business-friendly climate. With today’s announcement, Natron will be well-positioned to meet that growing demand. The state of North Carolina is a leader in clean energy manufacturing and we’re proud to have the opportunity to contribute to that growing legacy in Edgecombe County.”

The North Carolina Department of Commerce coordinated the state’s recruitment of Natron Energy which also involved several state regional and local organizations.

“North Carolina has quickly become the heart of a rapidly growing network of battery manufacturers and their suppliers which is turbocharging our state’s economy,” said North Carolina Commerce Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders. “I’m pleased to see a cutting-edge company like Natron Energy select one of our state’s premier megasites where I know they’ll thrive thanks to North Carolina’s continued investments in infrastructure and workforce training systems.”

Natron Energy's project will officially be executed through a newly formed subsidiary company facilitated by a Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) approved by the state's Economic Investment Committee earlier today. Over 12 years this grant is estimated to grow the state's economy by $3.4 billion authorizing potential reimbursement up to $21 million spread over 12 years based on new tax revenues generated by 1 062 new jobs capital investment incremental job creation investment targets met verification by departments Commerce Revenue.

The project's projected return on investment of public dollars is 22 percent meaning every dollar cost state receives $1.22 revenue JDIG projects result positive net tax revenue treasury even after considering grant reimbursement payments given company.

The state also anticipates providing additional support through North Carolina Megasite Readiness Program grants fund preparation upgrade qualifying industrial sites competitive level economic development marketplace administered Economic Development Partnership grants cover site preparations road improvements utilities infrastructure awarded local governments approved Economic Investment Committee same body approves JDIG awards expects Edgecombe County awarded up $30 million fund subject final approvals Board Directors EIC.

Salaries new jobs vary position average $64 071 increasing regional payroll approximately $68 million annually once plant fully staffed Edgecombe County average annual wage currently stands $43 183.

“Successful economic development projects take patience dedication many people organizations working tirelessly behind scenes,” said N.C Senator Kandie Smith “I applaud everybody contributed work made today decision possible welcome county”

Partnering Department Commerce Economic Development Partnership General Assembly Community College System Departments Transportation Environmental Quality Division Workforce Solutions CSX Railroad Company Dominion Energy Piedmont Natural Gas Community College County Carolinas Gateway Partnership

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