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8/16/2024
North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, the North Carolina Railroad Co. (NCRR) and other project partners yesterday announced Natron Energy Inc. will build its first-ever sodium-ion battery gigafactory in the United States in Rocky Mount, North Carolina.
To be served by CSX, the $1.4 billion plant will be located at the Kingsboro mega site.
Through NCRR Invests — its strategic economic development program — NCRR will provide $750,000 to help offset design and construction costs for a new rail spur, which is estimated to increase rail activity by about 600 rail cars annually. Natron Energy is the first manufacturer to successfully commercialize a “UL1973” listed sodium-ion battery product, NCRR officials said in a press release. Unlike traditional lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries offer a more sustainable power-source alternative.
“A project of this size will have a lasting positive impact on the region and state,” said NCRR Chief Commercial Officer Trish Haver. “Their commitment to sodium-ion technology is not only a win for our economy but also a significant step forward in the global push for sustainable energy solutions.”
In addition to NCRR and CSX, other partners in the Natron Energy plant project include the North Carolina Department of Commerce, North Carolina Department of Transportation, Dominion Energy, Piedmont Natural Gas and Edgecombe County.