Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, January 15, 2025 – In a groundbreaking development, scientists from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) have unveiled a new technology that enables the direct extraction of lithium from brine in oil fields and seawater, where lithium concentrations are typically very low. The research, published in the prestigious journal Science, marks a significant advancement in the field of resource extraction and holds the potential to revolutionize global lithium availability.
Lithium, a critical component in the manufacturing of batteries for electric vehicles, smartphones, and renewable energy storage systems, has seen a surge in demand as the world moves toward sustainable energy solutions. However, traditional methods of lithium extraction have faced significant challenges when dealing with brine sources that contain low concentrations of lithium. This new technology, developed by the KAUST team, presents a solution to this issue by enabling the extraction of lithium from brine at concentrations as low as 20 parts per million. The innovation was tested on a scale 100,000 times larger than typical laboratory experiments, proving to be cost-competitive with existing methods.
One of the standout features of this new technology is its ability to operate without introducing pollutants or additional materials, making the extraction process both environmentally friendly and economically viable. This is particularly crucial for extracting lithium from brine sources in oil fields, a natural byproduct of oil extraction. For Saudi Arabia, which has vast oil reserves and is heavily involved in the energy sector, this new development could have transformative implications. The ability to extract lithium directly from brine could potentially turn the Kingdom from a major importer of lithium into a key global producer, positioning Saudi Arabia as a leader in the global lithium market.
Professor Zhiping Lai, co-chair of the KAUST Center of Excellence for Renewable Energy and Storage Technologies and lead researcher of the project, explained that the breakthrough lies in the improvement of the redox electrode bridge. This technology harnesses osmotic energy, which results from the concentration difference between the highly saline brine and the extraction solution. By utilizing this energy, the new process reduces the overall energy consumption typically required for lithium extraction, making it more efficient and sustainable.
The potential global impact of this innovation cannot be overstated. Brine and seawater are estimated to contain lithium reserves more than 10,000 times greater than current terrestrial deposits, which are currently estimated at around 22 million tons. The new technology could unlock these vast reserves, increasing the world’s total lithium resources from 22 million tons to an astonishing 230 billion tons. This expanded resource base could help meet the growing demand for lithium and ensure a more sustainable supply chain for the electric vehicle and renewable energy sectors.
The success of this technology is expected to create new value across multiple industries, including oil, mining, and geothermal energy. In many cases, the water produced from oil extraction is often regarded as waste, but with this new technology, it could be transformed into a valuable resource. By tapping into these underutilized resources, Saudi Arabia and other nations with large-scale oil production could find new ways to diversify their economies and reduce reliance on oil exports alone.
As the global community continues to push for sustainable energy solutions, the KAUST team’s innovative technology presents a promising avenue for increasing the availability of critical materials needed for the green energy transition. With the potential to unlock vast new lithium reserves, this breakthrough could play a crucial role in the transition to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.