Natron Energy, a manufacturer of sodium-ion batteries, has commenced commercial-scale operations at its manufacturing facility in Holland, Michigan, marking the first-ever large-scale production of sodium-ion batteries in the United States.
These batteries offer superior power density, longer cycles, a domestically sourced supply chain, and distinct safety features compared to other battery technologies. They are currently the only UL-listed sodium-ion batteries available.
The opening ceremony of the facility in Holland, MI featured speeches from Holland Mayor Nathan Bocks, Evelyn Wang, PhD, Director of the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E), and Natron Energy’s Founder and Co-CEO Colin Wessells and Co-CEO Wendell Brooks.
Colin Wessells, founder and co-CEO of Natron Energy, expressed excitement about the milestone, stating, “We are thrilled to announce the opening of the first commercial sodium-ion battery manufacturing facility in the United States. Sodium-ion batteries offer a unique alternative to lithium-ion, with higher power, faster recharge, longer life-cycle, and a completely safe and stable chemistry.”
Wendell Brooks, co-CEO of Natron Energy, highlighted the significance of the new facility in accelerating Natron’s growth and leading the next battery revolution. He stated, “As the world progresses toward a future powered by clean, renewable energy, continued innovation in the energy storage sector remains an absolute necessity.”
Natron has invested over $40 million to upgrade the facility and convert existing lithium-ion battery manufacturing lines to sodium-ion battery production. The ARPA-E provided $19.8 million through the SCALEUP program to support this initiative.
The Holland facility is expected to produce 600 megawatts of sodium-ion batteries annually at full capacity. Natron plans to begin battery shipments in June, focusing initially on data center customers to support the energy storage needs of Artificial Intelligence.
Guillermo Sierra, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives – Energy Transition at Nabors Industries, expressed excitement about Natron’s milestone, stating, “Natron’s sodium-ion batteries are poised to play a significant role in advancing large industrial and utility-scale decarbonization.”
Natron’s sodium-ion batteries utilize patented Prussian blue electrodes, offering faster ion transfer and lower internal resistance compared to other commercial batteries. The battery chemistry provides zero strain during charging and discharge, 10x faster cycling than traditional lithium-ion batteries, and an over 50,000 cycle-life.
The supply chain for Natron’s batteries requires zero lithium, cobalt, nickel, or other difficult-to-obtain minerals, offering an environmentally and socially responsible alternative to lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries.
ARPA-E provided initial funding to Natron in 2012, followed by additional funding in 2020. The company has also received investments from strategic customers, including Chevron and Nabors Industries.
