Lyten, a leader in supermaterial applications and Lithium-Sulfur batteries, has announced plans to invest over $1 billion to construct the world’s first Lithium-Sulfur battery gigafactory near Reno, Nevada. The facility aims to produce up to 10 GWh of batteries annually at full capacity, with Phase 1 expected to be operational by 2027. The factory will manufacture cathode active materials (CAM) and lithium metal anodes, as well as assemble lithium-sulfur battery cells in both cylindrical and pouch formats. Lyten has been assembling batteries and producing CAM and lithium metal anodes at its semi-automated pilot facility in San Jose, California, since May 2023.
Dan Cook, Co-Founder and CEO of Lyten, remarked, “Today marks another milestone in our nine-year journey. Lithium-sulfur technology offers high energy density, lightweight batteries made from abundant local materials and produced entirely in the U.S.”
Lyten’s Chief Battery Technology Officer, Celina Mikolajczak, emphasized that Nevada has been their preferred location due to the support from local leaders and the availability of a skilled workforce. Governor Joe Lombardo noted that Nevada is becoming a crucial hub for U.S. battery manufacturing, stating that Lyten’s gigafactory highlights the strategic advantages the state offers to tech companies.
Lyten’s Lithium-Sulfur cells promise a weight reduction of up to 40% compared to lithium-ion batteries and 60% compared to lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries. The cells will be fully manufactured in the U.S. using local materials, reducing reliance on mined minerals like nickel, cobalt, manganese, and graphite, ultimately making them a more cost-effective option at scale.
The company plans to enter the micromobility, space, drone, and defense markets with its lithium-sulfur batteries in 2024 and 2025. The Nevada gigafactory is part of Lyten’s strategy to meet the increasing demand, backed by a pipeline of potential customers.
The Nevada Congressional Delegation has played a key role in supporting this project. Senator Jacky Rosen highlighted the opportunity for Nevada to become a global leader in lithium battery technology, while Senator Catherine Cortez Masto emphasized the importance of strengthening the domestic supply chain.
The planned 1.25 million square foot facility, situated on a 125-acre campus in the Reno AirLogistics Park, will initially employ 200 people, growing to over 1,000 at full capacity. Lyten has partnered with Dermody Properties to secure the site.
Local officials and educational institutions are enthusiastic about the project. Michael Dermody, Executive Chairman at Dermody Properties, stated that Lyten’s sustainable battery technology aligns perfectly with the vision of the Reno AirLogistics Park. Meanwhile, University of Nevada-Reno President Brian Sandoval noted that Lyten’s cutting-edge technology positions Northern Nevada as a leader in the lithium economy.
Lyten is collaborating with local universities, including UNR and Truckee Meadows Community College, to cultivate the necessary workforce. Truckee Meadows Community College President Karin Hilgersom expressed excitement about the positive impact Lyten will have on the community and the global stage.
The company plans to finalize agreements with Dermody Properties and the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority to begin construction in early 2025. The Nevada facility will produce lithium-sulfur battery cells compliant with the Inflation Reduction Act and National Defense Appropriations Act, avoiding Section 301 tariffs.
