Lyten, a company specializing in supermaterial applications, has announced plans to build the world’s first lithium-sulfur (Li-S) battery gigafactory in Nevada. The facility, located near Reno, is expected to produce up to 10 GWh of batteries annually once fully operational. With an investment of over $1 billion, the gigafactory aims to advance battery manufacturing by leveraging the advantages of lithium-sulfur technology, a potentially transformative alternative to traditional lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries.
The new factory will produce cathode active materials (CAM), lithium metal anodes, and assemble lithium-sulfur cells, enabling a fully domestic battery manufacturing process. The project is a collaboration between Lyten and Dermody Properties, with the facility to be located on land owned by the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority. The first phase of the gigafactory is scheduled to be operational by 2027. Initially, the facility will create 200 jobs, with employment expected to grow to over 1,000 as production scales up.
Lithium-sulfur batteries are known for their high energy density, which can make them up to 40% lighter than lithium-ion batteries and 60% lighter than lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries. In addition, Li-S batteries do not rely on minerals like nickel, cobalt, manganese, or graphite, which are essential to Li-ion production, offering a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative. The lower weight and use of abundant local materials are expected to make Li-S batteries cheaper at scale, positioning them as a competitive option for industries like micromobility, space exploration, drones, and defense.
The lithium-sulfur chemistry offers notable benefits, such as a high specific energy of 550Wh/kg—around three times that of lithium-ion—and a specific power of 2,500W/kg. However, despite these advantages, the technology has faced challenges with cycle life, as early iterations could only manage 40–50 charge-discharge cycles due to the loss of sulfur during cycling. Recent advancements have extended the cycle life to around 200 cycles, and ongoing research, including nanowire and graphene applications, promises further improvements.
The Nevada facility represents a significant step forward in the development of lithium-sulfur technology and aligns with growing U.S. efforts to enhance domestic battery manufacturing. Lyten’s choice of location underscores Nevada's emergence as a hub for battery innovation. "With our robust infrastructure and skilled workforce, Nevada is well-positioned for continued growth," said Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo. The project also received praise from U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen and Catherine Cortez Masto, who emphasized the importance of strengthening the domestic battery supply chain and supporting clean energy initiatives.
The planned 1.25 million square-foot facility will be located on a 125-acre campus in the Reno AirLogistics Park. Lyten will collaborate with local educational institutions, including the University of Nevada-Reno and Truckee Meadows Community College, to foster the talent needed to support the facility's growth. The factory’s production will comply with the Inflation Reduction Act and the National Defense Appropriations Act, ensuring its contributions to both economic development and national security.
Lyten’s entry into the lithium-sulfur battery market marks an important milestone in the pursuit of sustainable energy solutions. With its lower environmental impact and potential for cost savings, lithium-sulfur batteries could offer a competitive edge over lithium-ion technologies, particularly in applications requiring lightweight, high-energy-density power sources.