The first mass production of sodium-ion batteries was launched

Natron Energy, a global leader in sodium-ion battery technology, announced the commencement of commercial operations of its sodium-ion battery manufacturing facility in Holland. These batteries offer higher power density, longer cycle times and unique safety features than other technologies.

“We are pleased 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 and completely safe and stable chemistry.”

Colin Wessells, Founder and Co-CEO of Natron Energy

Natron has invested more than $40 million in a $300 million facility upgrade and conversion of existing lithium-ion battery production lines to sodium-ion battery production. As part of this investment, ARPA-E committed $19.8 million through the "Advancing Major Advances in Leading Energy Technologies with Untapped Potential" program. The Holland plant will accelerate the commercialization of Natron's technology, supporting more than 100 jobs and strengthening the fast-growing clean energy generation sector.

“Our New Holland facility will significantly accelerate Natron's growth trajectory, positioning the company to lead the next battery revolution. As the world moves towards a future powered by clean, renewable energy, continued innovation in the energy storage sector remains an absolute necessity.”

Wendell Brooks, co-CEO of Natron Energy

When fully operational, the Holland facility will produce 600 megawatts of sodium-ion batteries per year and will serve as the basis for Natron's future gigawatt installations. The company will begin shipping batteries in June, initially targeting data center customers to meet the 24/7 energy storage and power needs needed to support the explosive growth of artificial intelligence.

Beyond the data center, Natron is committed to transforming the way businesses use industrial energy in a wide range of end markets, including industrial mobility, electric vehicle fast charging and telecommunications.

Natron's patented electrodes store and transfer sodium ions faster, more frequently, and with less internal resistance than any other commercial battery on the market today. The company's battery chemistry provides zero charging and discharging stress, 10 times faster cycle times than traditional lithium-ion batteries, and more than 50,000 cycles.

However, compared to lithium-ion batteries, sodium batteries have much lower density. This prevents them from being used on mobile devices.