Neptune Energy Produces Battery-Grade Lithium Carbonate From Gas-Field Brine Using KBR Technology

KBR, a Houston-based technology company, has collaborated with Neptune Energy, headquartered in London, to produce high-purity lithium carbonate (Li₂CO₃) from gas field brine at the Altmark site in Germany. Utilizing KBR’s proprietary PureLi® technology, the partnership marks a significant step in supporting the growing demand for lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles and consumer electronics like laptops and smartphones.

In November 2024, Neptune Energy, with KBR’s expertise, successfully produced technical-grade lithium carbonate from lithium chloride (LiCl) extracted through Geolith’s Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) Li-Capt® technology. Recently, this LiCl was refined into lithium carbonate with a purity of 99.5%, meeting rigorous industry standards. The process leverages KBR’s PureLi technology, which includes lithium chloride concentration, advanced impurity removal, and lithium carbonate crystallization, ensuring efficient and high-quality output.

This achievement strengthens regional lithium supply chains, addressing the increasing need for sustainable energy solutions. “Congratulations to the entire team on this important milestone! Strengthening regional lithium supply chains is critical to ensuring energy security, and KBR is proud to support this project,” said Hari Ravindran, Senior Vice President of Technology Solutions at KBR. “With our advanced PureLi technology, we are helping secure a reliable supply of high-purity lithium to meet the growing demand for e-mobility.”

The project, conducted at Neptune Energy’s laboratory in Lingen, Germany, highlights the effective integration of KBR’s refining technology with Neptune’s extraction capabilities. Axel Wenke, Director of New Energy at Neptune Energy, stated: “KBR played an important role in our first lithium pilot project in the Altmark region. Thanks to KBR’s guidance and experience in the DLE business, we were able to produce first lithium carbonate out of Altmark brine in our Lingen-based laboratory.”

The successful production of battery-grade lithium carbonate at the Altmark site demonstrates the potential for innovative technologies to meet global energy demands sustainably. By combining KBR’s PureLi technology with Geolith’s DLE process, the partnership ensures a reliable supply of high-purity lithium, supporting the expansion of electric mobility and renewable energy applications. This milestone underscores the commitment of both companies to advancing clean energy solutions in Germany and beyond.