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Louisiana’s $10.3M Sicona battery facility targets AI backup power

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Louisiana is getting a battery facility aimed at powering AI and more

Louisiana is getting a new battery materials operation tied to one of technology’s fastest-growing needs. Sicona Battery Technologies plans to invest $10.3 million in a facility and U.S. headquarters in New Orleans East.

The Australian battery company expects the site to support production of silicon-carbon anode materials. Those materials can be used in battery systems for AI data centers, as well as in robotics, drones, and other applications.

View of skyline in New Orleans, Louisiana.
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The project is bringing dozens of new jobs to New Orleans

Sicona is expected to create 32 direct jobs through its Louisiana operation. The positions are projected to carry an average annual salary of $101,500, according to Louisiana Economic Development.

Louisiana Economic Development estimates another 52 indirect jobs could result from the project. That would bring the potential employment impact to 84 jobs across the Southeast Region.

A pile of batteries of different brands.
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The facility could produce material for millions of cells

Sicona plans to install its SiCx silicon-carbon anode production process at the New Orleans Regional Business Park. The company intends to expand the operation into what it calls a “Super Pilot” facility.

At planned capacity, the facility could produce enough material for more than 3 million battery cells. That gives the New Orleans site a role beyond research and development as Sicona expands manufacturing in the U.S.

Aerial view of a modern data center complex, featuring backup cooling/power generators, adjacent to farmland and a waterway.
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AI data centers are one of the planned battery applications

Sicona says its battery materials can support AI data center battery backup systems. The technology is aimed at industries that need greater energy storage capacity, faster charging, and improved battery performance.

The company lists robotics, power tools, autonomous systems, and drones among the potential applications. Its materials may also support electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft and defense applications.

Batteries on a framed stand for electricity storage.
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Silicon-carbon materials are at the center of the project

Sicona specializes in silicon-carbon anode technology for lithium-ion batteries. Its SiCx technology is designed to increase energy density while improving charge and discharge rates.

The company says its technology is designed to work with existing battery manufacturing lines. That approach is intended to help battery manufacturers and supply chain partners adopt higher-performance anode materials.

Little-known fact: Batteries use 2 electrical terminals, called the anode and cathode, separated by an electrolyte, and they connect to an external circuit to store and release electricity.

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A local battery company helped open the door

Sicona’s Louisiana expansion builds on its acquisition of ADVANO, a New Orleans battery materials company. ADVANO previously worked on silicon-based materials designed to improve the energy density and performance of lithium-ion batteries.

The acquisition gives Sicona a commercial foothold in the United States. It also combines Sicona’s technology with local expertise developed through ADVANO’s work in New Orleans.

Little-known fact: The global lithium-ion battery market surpassed $150 billion in 2025, growing more than 20% from the previous year.

View of skyline in New Orleans, Louisiana.
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The new operation is designed to reduce overseas dependence

The New Orleans East facility will provide Sicona with a domestic manufacturing base for its U.S. customers. The company plans to manufacture and ship its materials from Louisiana rather than relying on overseas production.

That setup gives the company a U.S. location for scaling its battery materials business. It also connects local manufacturing capabilities with customers and supply chain partners in the American market.

Low-rise flat roofed commercial and industrial buildings with wide parking lots and arterial roads, logistics, office use, tech services, forming vital part of Richardson Telecom Corridor, Texas. USA
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New Orleans East is becoming part of the growth strategy

Sicona’s project is part of a broader push to attract investment to New Orleans East. City officials pointed to the Michoud Innovation Corridor and Port and Logistics Corridor as areas being positioned for additional development.

The goal is to create site-ready opportunities that can compete for industrial projects. Sicona’s decision adds a battery manufacturing operation to that development effort.

Australia flag.
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The company’s U.S. expansion started with an international connection

The relationship between Sicona and Louisiana dates to a 2025 business mission to Australia. Louisiana Economic Development and regional economic groups met with Sicona and other companies during the trip.

The mission highlighted Louisiana’s international connections for companies seeking entry into the U.S. market. Officials said the broader effort also targets business relationships in Japan and Western Europe.

Grid scale battery storage and substation in a rural area.
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The project connects research with large-scale production

ADVANO’s research and administrative functions continue to operate from the LSU New Orleans Research and Technology Park. Sicona’s new facility adds a manufacturing component to the local battery technology presence.

The company plans to build on technology and expertise already established in the region. Its expansion is intended to move battery materials toward larger-scale production and commercial shipments from New Orleans East.

A twilight view of the downtown Central Business District (CBD) skyline of New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.
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Louisiana is offering incentives to help secure the project

Louisiana offered Sicona an incentives package as part of efforts to secure the New Orleans project. The package includes workforce development support through Louisiana Economic Development’s FastStart program.

Sicona is also expected to participate in Louisiana’s Industrial Tax Exemption and High Impact Jobs programs. These state programs are part of the broader package supporting the company’s planned operation.

A view of battery storage units.
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Operations were expected to begin in September

Sicona announced the Louisiana investment on September 15, 2026. The company said operations at the New Orleans facility were expected to begin in mid-September.

The planned start marked the next step after Sicona acquired ADVANO. The company is moving toward establishing its first U.S. facility and headquarters while expanding its battery materials production.

What battery safety risks are emerging as battery use expands? See how Colorado’s recycling efforts grow, but battery safety concerns continue to rise.

Large AI data center campus with multiple buildings and cooling towers.
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Louisiana’s battery project reaches beyond one industry

Sicona’s New Orleans investment is centered on battery materials, but the planned applications span several technology sectors. AI data center backup systems are among them, alongside robotics, drones, autonomous systems, and electric aircraft.

The $10.3 million project also brings a new U.S. headquarters and manufacturing base to Louisiana. With 32 direct jobs and planned capacity to produce enough material for more than 3 million battery cells, the facility gives New Orleans a new role in Sicona’s expansion.

How can changes in the battery industry affect local jobs? See how Ohio Loses 1,300 Jobs As GM Closes Battery Plant.

What do you think about Louisiana’s growing role in battery manufacturing and AI power infrastructure? Share your thoughts.

This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.

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