Lyten's $1B Lithium-Sulfur Gigafactory Boosts Reno Tech Park

Lyten, a Silicon Valley-based supermaterials company, announced plans Oct. 15, 2024, to build a $1 billion gigafactory in Reno's expanding AirLogistics Park at Stead Airport, 13.5 miles from Reno-Tahoe International Airport. The 1.25 million-square-foot plant on a 125-acre campus will manufacture cathode active materials, lithium metal anodes and assemble lithium-sulfur cells in cylindrical and pouch formats, enabling fully domestic production compliant with the Inflation Reduction Act and National Defense Appropriations Act. Company officials aim to break ground in early 2025 after finalizing terms with Dermody Properties and the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority, following a signed memorandum of understanding.

At full capacity, the facility targets 10 gigawatt-hours of annual output, ramping up by 2 GWh per year, with Phase 1 operational and shipping batteries in 2027. Lyten's pilot production in San Jose, California, has been running since May 2023, supporting entry into micromobility, space, drone and defense markets. The project eclipses initial reports of a $200 million lithium battery commitment, amplifying Reno's role as a hub for Nevada's green energy industry amid Tesla's nearby Gigafactory.

Employment will start at 200 positions, scaling to over 1,000 jobs for researchers, manufacturing and battery engineers, technicians, operators and support staff, injecting vitality into northern Nevada's economy. The lithium-sulfur technology promises higher energy density and sustainability over traditional lithium-ion batteries, positioning Reno-Sparks as a leader in next-generation energy storage. Local leaders hailed the announcement as a win for the region's tech park expansion and job growth.