Occidental and BHE Renewables Form JV to Commercialize TerraLithium Extraction Technology
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Occidental and BHE Renewables, a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Energy, have formed a joint venture for the demonstration and deployment of TerraLithium’s direct lithium extraction (DLE) and associated technologies to extract and commercially produce high-purity lithium compounds from geothermal brine.
TerraLithium, a wholly owned subsidiary of Occidental, has patented DLE technologies that have the potential to process any lithium-containing brine into a responsibly sourced supply of high-purity lithium. BHE Renewables operates 10 geothermal power plants in California’s Imperial Valley, which process 50,000 gallons of lithium-rich brine per minute to produce 345 megawatts of clean energy.
The joint venture has begun a project at BHE Renewables’ Imperial Valley geothermal facility to demonstrate the feasibility of using the TerraLithium DLE technology to produce lithium in an environmentally safe manner.
“This joint venture with TerraLithium represents a significant advancement in BHE Renewables’ commitment to pursuing commercial lithium production that is environmentally safe, commercially viable, and leads to good outcomes for the Imperial Valley community,” said Alicia Knapp, president and CEO of BHE Renewables.
“We are excited to be working with Occidental on this incredible opportunity to make the Imperial Valley a global leader in lithium production,” added Knapp.
Upon successful demonstration, BHE Renewables plans to build, own, and operate commercial lithium production facilities in California’s Imperial Valley. The joint venture also plans to license the technology and develop commercial lithium production facilities outside the Imperial Valley.
“By leveraging Occidental’s expertise in managing and processing brine in our oil and gas and chemicals businesses, combined with BHE Renewables’ deep knowledge in geothermal operations, we are uniquely positioned to advance a more sustainable form of lithium production,” said Richard Jackson, president, U.S. Onshore Resources and Carbon Management, Operations at Occidental.
“We look forward to working with BHE Renewables to demonstrate how DLE technology can produce a critical mineral that society needs to further net zero goals,” added Jackson.
According to the International Renewable Energy Agency, battery lithium demand is projected to increase tenfold over 2020–2030, in line with battery demand growth.
“Creating a secure, reliable and domestic supply of high-purity lithium products to help meet growing global lithium demand is essential for the energy transition,” said Jeff Alvarez, president and general manager of TerraLithium.
“The partnership with BHE Renewables will enable the joint venture to accelerate the development of our direct lithium extraction and associated technologies and advance them toward commercial lithium production,” added Alvarez.
Occidental is an international energy company with assets primarily in the United States, the Middle East, and North Africa. They are one of the largest oil producers in the U.S., including a leading producer in the Permian and DJ basins, and offshore Gulf of Mexico. Its midstream and marketing segment provides flow assurance and maximizes the value of its oil and gas. Their chemical subsidiary OxyChem manufactures the building blocks for life-enhancing products. Their Oxy Low Carbon Ventures subsidiary is advancing leading-edge technologies and business solutions that economically grow their business while reducing emissions. They are committed to using their global leadership in carbon management to advance a lower-carbon world.
BHE Renewables is a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Energy and is headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa. BHE Renewables owns solar, wind, geothermal, and hydroelectric projects that produce energy for both the wholesale market and for customers under long-term power agreements. BHE Renewables owns and operates 10 geothermal clean power facilities in California’s Imperial Valley.
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