Partner profile

NATRON ENERGY

As the world electrifies to combat climate change, Natron Energy is helping industries transform the way they use battery energy for critical applications and processes via its revolutionary Sodium Ion battery technology.

Location

California, USA

What is so special about Natron batteries?

Natron batteries provide 10x the cycle life and 2x the power of comparable lithium-ion technologies. They are capable of 0%-99% recharge in less than 15 minutes, all while being non-flammable and posing no thermal runaway risk.

Natron batteries contain no copper, cobalt, or lithium, making them free from the supply chain constraints and difficult mining practices associated with lithium-ion batteries. This is possible because of the use of Prussian blue materials in the anode and cathode, which allows for the rapid transfer of sodium-ions without excessively degrading the cell.

Moreover, Natron’s manufacturing process uses existing industry-standard lithium-ion equipment and processes, and raw materials that are already available at-scale, making the path to mass–production readily accessible.

Natron Blue Pack

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Which industries will benefit most from Natron batteries?

Both existing and emerging markets will benefit from Natron batteries; from data center UPS systems to grid firming for renewable energy generation, Natron’s high-power capabilities make them the lowest-cost option for applications that require high-power discharge. These applications include peak shaving for EV fast charging stations, microgrids, and supporting intermittent renewable energy generation.

Exceptionally high cycle-life and faster recharge give Natron a clear advantage over existing energy storage technologies across these applications.

For an EV fast-charging station, having a Natron battery supply power for the first few minutes of a charging session means the station avoids demand charges for this spiky electricity consumption, and avoids added stress on the grid.

For renewable energy generation like solar, intermittency from cloud cover can also be mitigated with Natron batteries. Natron’s faster recharge time + superior cycle life means the system can meet demand with fewer batteries, saving money and resources.

Picture of Natron Blue Rack

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How does Natron introduce this new battery?

Natron engages with stakeholders across the value chain, from partnering with integrators to marketing to end-customers to generate demand.

This whole ecosystem presence ensures consistent alignment on the benefits of Natron batteries, from lower total cost of ownership to safety.

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How is Mercuria’s investment contributing to your vision?

Mercuria’s investment enables the next phase of growth and scale for Natron’s production of sodium-ion batteries in North America – a key step for enabling widespread renewable energy generation and securing national energy independence.

Mercuria’s extensive expertise and investments in energy offer unique guidance and partnership resources that are mutually beneficial.

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What’s next for Natron?

Manufacturing Natron batteries on high-volume manufacturing equipment is underway in Holland, MI, using a retro-fitted former li-ion plant. This marks the beginning of real scale for sodium-ion battery production.

As Natron continues to make customer deliveries and prove performance in existing, mature markets, the next stage of profitable growth comes into focus. With scale and the economic benefits that accompany it, Natron can continue to expand and sell into growing markets like renewable energy generation firming, fleet charging, and supporting peak shaving in applications like EV fast charging.

The first deployment of Natron products in an EV fast charging station is already underway, setting the stage for future growth.