NOVONIX Secures 182 Acres in Chattanooga for Major Graphite Plant Expansion
NOVONIX has signed a definitive agreement to acquire a large parcel in Chattanooga for a new synthetic graphite facility, significantly boosting its production capacity and local employment.
- Acquisition of 182-acre Enterprise South site for US$5 million
- New facility to add 31,500 tonnes per annum graphite capacity
- Combined Chattanooga capacity to exceed 50,000 tonnes annually
- Creation of 450-500 full-time jobs in the region
- US$54 million in tax and other incentives over 15 years
Strategic Land Acquisition Marks Expansion
Battery materials specialist NOVONIX Limited has taken a significant step forward in its growth strategy by finalising the purchase agreement for a 182-acre site in the Enterprise South Industrial Park, Chattanooga, Tennessee. The US$5 million acquisition, approved unanimously by local authorities, will host a new high-performance synthetic graphite production facility, underpinning the company’s ambition to scale its manufacturing footprint in the US.
Boosting Production Capacity and Jobs
The new facility is expected to deliver an initial production capacity of 31,500 tonnes per annum, complementing NOVONIX’s existing Riverside plant, which is ramping up to 20,000 tonnes annually. Together, these sites will push the company’s total graphite output in Chattanooga beyond 50,000 tonnes per year. This expansion is projected to create between 450 and 500 full-time jobs, reinforcing NOVONIX’s role as a key economic contributor in the region.
Government Support and Community Engagement
Local government incentives play a pivotal role in this development, with NOVONIX set to receive approximately US$54 million in tax and other benefits over 15 years, contingent on meeting specific conditions. The company’s collaboration extends beyond industrial growth, as it deepens educational partnerships through the NOVONIX Institute of Advanced Battery Technology at Lookout Valley Middle High School. This initiative supports STEM education and prepares students for careers in battery technology, aligning workforce development with industry needs.
Conditional on Federal Loan Approval
While the land purchase agreement is finalised, NOVONIX’s acquisition and subsequent facility construction hinge on satisfying conditions related to a substantial US$754 million loan from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office. This federal funding is critical to underpinning the capital investment required for the project, introducing an element of execution risk until the loan is secured and conditions met.
Positioning for the Future of Battery Materials
As the global demand for electric vehicles and energy storage solutions accelerates, NOVONIX’s expansion in synthetic graphite production positions it well to meet growing market needs. The company’s focus on sustainable, high-performance materials and innovative manufacturing processes reflects its commitment to powering a cleaner energy future. This latest move in Chattanooga not only strengthens NOVONIX’s supply capabilities but also deepens its integration within a supportive local ecosystem.
Bottom Line?
NOVONIX’s Chattanooga expansion is a bold stride forward, but the final chapter depends on federal loan approval and timely execution.
Questions in the middle?
- When will the US Department of Energy’s loan conditions be fully satisfied?
- What is the timeline for construction and ramp-up of the new Enterprise South facility?
- How will this expanded capacity impact NOVONIX’s competitive position in the global battery materials market?
