San Jose-based startup Lyten today said it would invest more than $1 billion to build the world’s first lithium-sulfur battery gigafactory at the AirLogistics Park on land owned by the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority in Stead to produce up to 10 GWh of batteries annually.
The facility initially will create 200 jobs, with plans to grow to more than 1,000 local jobs.
“Today is the latest milestone in Lyten’s nine-year history. Lithium-sulfur is a leap in battery technology, delivering a high energy density, light weight battery built with abundantly available local materials and 100% U.S. manufacturing,” Dan Cook, Lyten Co-Founder and CEO said.
“Nevada is emerging as a key hub for U.S. battery manufacturing, and Lyten’s choice to build the world’s first lithium-sulfur battery gigafactory here underscores the strategic advantages our state offers to leading tech companies,” said Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo. “With our robust infrastructure and skilled workforce, Nevada is well-positioned for continued growth and job creation well into the future.”
Automakers are increasingly looking for alternative technologies to make more affordable power sources for electric vehicles.
Production is scheduled to start in 2027. The company says lithium-sulfur cells have high energy density, which could make it up to 40% lighter than lithium-ion cells. The new batteries could also be sold for drones, micromobility, space and defense markets.
Some environmentalists warn the energy intensive extraction of lithium can deplete water resources and impact local ecosystems, as one ton requires 500,000 liters of water, while leading to air and water pollution, land degradation and potential groundwater contamination.
Our Town Reno reporting, October 2024