The North Carolina Railroad Company (NCRR) joined several key economic development organizations to bring a transformative project to Rocky Mount: Natron Energy’s first-ever sodium ion battery gigafactory in the United States. Located at the Kingsboro mega site, California-based Natron Energy will invest an estimated $1.4 billion in the facility while creating more than 1,000 new jobs with an average annual wage of $64,000.
Natron, the trailblazer in U.S. domestic sodium ion battery production, is the first manufacturer to successfully commercialize a “UL1973” listed sodium ion battery product. Unlike traditional lithium ion batteries, sodium ion batteries are emerging as a game changer for industries ranging from energy storage to EV fast chargers. Sodium, a more abundant and environmentally benign resource, offers a sustainable alternative that significantly reduces the ecological footprint of battery production. The Rocky Mount facility will be at the forefront of this shift, producing batteries for applications such as data centers, airline ground fleets, and renewable energy storage.
Through its strategic economic development program, NCRR Invests, the North Carolina Railroad Company is investing $750,000 to offset costs of the design and construction of a new rail spur. The spur will facilitate efficient freight transportation to and from the factory and increase rail activity by approximately 600 rail cars annually. CSX Transportation (CSX) will serve the new facility.
“Natron Energy is a perfect partner for a region primed to welcome an innovative industry leader of this magnitude and the jobs and investments that come with it,” said Trish Haver, chief commercial officer for NCRR. “A project of this size will have a lasting positive impact on the region and state. 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. We’re proud to be a part of it.”
Since its launch in 2016, the NCRR Invests program has committed more than $18 million of NCRR’s private revenue, resulting in new or expanded locations of 18 manufacturing facilities and the creation of more than 11,800 new jobs in North Carolina. This year, NCRR Invests has already announced significant investments, including support for Siemens Energy’s expansion in Charlotte and the growth of Innovative Construction Group, a subsidiary of PulteGroup, in Siler City. Natron Energy’s factory marks the third major investment announcement of 2024, with more planned.
Haver added, “The Natron Energy investment is yet another example of the real commitment the North Carolina Railroad Company is making to help create jobs and economic opportunity in local economies throughout our state.”
Additional project partners include North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, the North Carolina General Assembly, the North Carolina Department of Commerce, the North Carolina Department of Transportation, the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s Division of Workforce Solutions, the North Carolina Community College System, the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, CSX, Dominion Energy, Piedmont Natural Gas, Edgecombe Community College, Edgecombe County, and the Carolinas Gateway Partnership.
About the North Carolina Railroad Company
The North Carolina Railroad Company is the one private railroad company that has been driving economic growth for North Carolina for over 175 years. The Company manages 317 miles of rail corridor, transforming its trusted expertise and unique assets into economic advantages. The Company’s mission is to focus on our rail & safety expertise, assets, and advantageous corridor to provide dynamic services and best-in-class solutions. Our vision is a railroad company promoting and facilitating opportunities leading to economic gains for North Carolina.
About NCRR Invests
NCRR Invests provides assistance to companies that require the state’s freight rail opportunities and create jobs by locating or expanding their business in North Carolina. The goal of NCRR Invests is to drive job creation and economic growth.
