A new battery manufacturing facility is slated to launch at the Kingsboro megasite in Edgecombe County, bringing economic growth and job opportunities. Natron Energy, based in Santa Clara, California, has committed $1.4 billion towards this venture which is expected to generate up to 1,000 jobs just nine miles east of downtown Rocky Mount.
The plant will specialize in producing sodium-ion carbide batteries as an alternative to lithium-ion technology. These batteries are specifically designed for medium and low-speed electric vehicles like bicycles and also serve as a viable option for large-scale energy storage solutions. Unlike lithium which can be scarce at times, sodium is a more readily available element.
In addition to its own investment into the project, Natron Energy stands to receive over $50 million from state and local grants.
Earlier this year,Natron Energy opened its first U.S.-based sodium-ion battery plant located at their Michigan headquarters.Natron boasts that their sodium-ion solutions outperform traditional options while being significantly safer and more sustainable than lithium alternatives.
This exciting announcement of a major investment into Rocky Mount’s economy was originally reported by Connect CRE.
