Lyten Unveils $1 Billion Lithium-Sulfur Battery Gigafactory in Nevada, Set to Revolutionize U.S. Energy Storage

NEWSINVESTMENTEV

10/18/20241 min read

Lyten, a pioneering company in supermaterial applications and Lithium-Sulfur battery technology, has announced plans to invest over $1 billion in building the world's first Lithium-Sulfur battery gigafactory near Reno, Nevada. This advanced facility will produce up to 10 GWh of batteries annually when fully operational, marking a significant milestone in energy storage technology.

Slated to begin operations by 2027, the gigafactory will produce cathode active materials (CAM), lithium metal anodes, and complete lithium-sulfur battery cells in cylindrical and pouch formats. Lyten has been assembling batteries and producing CAM at its pilot facility in San Jose, California, since May 2023.

Dan Cook, Co-Founder and CEO of Lyten, hailed this project as a major step in the company’s nine-year journey. "Lithium-sulfur represents a transformative leap forward in battery technology, delivering high energy density and lightweight solutions using abundant, locally sourced materials, all produced in the U.S.," Cook said.

Nevada's strategic advantages as a location were also emphasized by Celina Mikolajczak, Chief Battery Technology Officer, who praised the skilled workforce and local support from Reno and Washoe County. Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo echoed these sentiments, highlighting the state’s growing prominence in U.S. battery manufacturing and its potential for job creation and economic growth.

Lyten's Lithium-Sulfur batteries promise up to 40% weight reduction compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries and 60% lighter than lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries. These high-density, U.S.-manufactured batteries use low-cost, widely available materials, avoiding reliance on expensive mined minerals like nickel, cobalt, and graphite.

With production set to begin in 2024, the gigafactory will meet the growing demand in industries such as micromobility, space, drones, and defense. The facility is expected to create over 1,000 jobs once fully operational, in collaboration with local universities like the University of Nevada-Reno and Truckee Meadows Community College, to build a skilled workforce.

The 1.25 million-square-foot factory, located on a 125-acre campus within the Reno AirLogistics Park, is expected to break ground in 2025. The facility will comply with both the Inflation Reduction Act and the National Defense Appropriations Act, ensuring its competitive edge in the domestic market.