Natron Energy

Natron Energy was founded in 2012 by Colin Wessells, then a Ph.D. student at Stanford University, to develop sodium-ion batteries as a cost-effective, sustainable alternative to lithium-ion batteries. In 2020, Natron's sodium-ion battery became the first to meet the UL 1973 safety standard for energy storage systems, enabling commercial deployment in data centers. The company began commercial production at its facility in Holland, Michigan, in May 2024, targeting applications in telecommunications, data centers, and industrial power systems. The project was supported by federal incentives under the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act. On September 3, 2025, the company informed labor officials that they were permanently ceasing operations, citing lack of funding. == Technology ==

Natron Energy's sodium-ion battery design uses Prussian blue electrodes, offering advantages over lithium-ion batteries, including lower cost, abundant raw materials, and enhanced safety. Unlike lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries do not rely on scarce materials like cobalt or lithium, reducing supply chain risks. == Funding ==

As of September 2024, Natron Energy had raised approximately $200 million in funding from investors, including Chevron Technology Ventures, United Airlines Ventures, and Aramco Ventures. == References ==