Oilfield Produced Water Transformation: Gradiant Unveils Global Pioneer Lithium Extraction Plant
In a groundbreaking development, Gradiant's lithium business, alkaLi, has announced the construction of the world's first fully integrated lithium production facility in Pennsylvania. Located in Montrose, Susquehanna County, this state-of-the-art plant is poised to begin commercial production of battery-grade lithium carbonate by early 2026 [1][2][4].
The facility employs alkaLi's proprietary Extract, Concentrate, and Convert (EC²) platform, an end-to-end integrated process that extracts lithium directly from oilfield produced water with high efficiency. Key features include a lithium recovery rate of approximately 97% from the produced water and the production of lithium carbonate with 99.5% battery-grade purity [2][4].
The vertically integrated model owned by alkaLi secures all critical assets—equipment, land, water and mineral rights, and permits—ensuring streamlined operations and avoiding delays from regulatory approvals [2][4]. The technology utilises advanced membrane systems (CRFO membranes) and integrated processes, ensuring scalability and cost-effectiveness [3].
The plant, already built, is currently undergoing testing in 2025, with full commercial operations planned to start in early 2026 [1][2][3]. This facility could supply up to 50% of the U.S. lithium demand, significantly reducing dependence on imported lithium and securing a domestic source critical for battery manufacturing [1][3].
Gradiant has secured a long-term offtake agreement with a U.S.-based lithium-ion battery manufacturer for electric vehicles and energy storage systems, committing to supply up to 5,000 metric tonnes of battery-grade lithium carbonate annually [3]. This project exemplifies a sustainable and economically viable method to produce lithium from waste streams, potentially transforming lithium supply chains in the U.S. and accelerating EV adoption by improving lithium availability [2][4].
The EC2 process utilises modular, pre-engineered systems for rapid global deployment, making it an attractive solution for other regions facing similar challenges in lithium production. The Pennsylvania facility is the world's first to use this EC2 process, marking a significant milestone in the global transition to clean energy.
AlkaLi invites prospective customers, partners, and investors to connect for potential collaboration in accelerating this global transition. The deal affirms strong market demand and the commercial readiness of alkaLi's solution. This innovative facility is set to redefine lithium production, secure domestic EV battery supply, and contribute to a more sustainable future.
References: [1] https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/gradiant-announces-worlds-first-fully-integrated-lithium-production-facility-in-pennsylvania-301698579.html [2] https://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/gradiant-begins-construction-on-first-lithium-extraction-plant-in-pennsylvania [3] https://www.benzinga.com/news/2022/08/08/gradiant-to-build-world-s-first-fully-integrated-lithium-production-facility-in-pennsylvania [4] https://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/gradiant-s-alkali-facility-to-revolutionize-lithium-production-for-ev-battery-makers
- This innovative facility, utilizing Gradiant's EC2 process, is poised to revolutionize the renewable-energy industry by producing battery-grade lithium carbonate from oilfield produced water, potentially attracting the interest of investors in the finance and wealth-management sectors.
- As technology advances, the business sector, including real-estate, is also taking notice of this groundbreaking development in lithium production, which could significantly reduce dependence on imported lithium and secure a domestic source critical for battery manufacturing in the United States.
- With a lithium recovery rate of approximately 97% and the production of lithium carbonate with 99.5% battery-grade purity, this facility could potentially supply up to 50% of the U.S. lithium demand, making it an attractive proposition for businesses involved in electric vehicle and energy storage systems.
- The vertically integrated model owned by alkaLi ensures streamlined operations and scalability, making it a cost-effective solution for the lithium industry and contributing to a more sustainable future, aligning with the goals of businesses committed to environmentally friendly practices.
