A team of researchers from the University of Connecticut(UConn) School of Engineering is exploring ways to extract lithium from geothermal brine. This team is led by Professor Burcu Beykal, which has been developing techno-economic models to make it feasible to extract lithium from unconventional sources located within the continental United States.
A study focusing on geothermal brine
Most of the world’s lithium is concentrated in a few regions, leaving the U.S. supply chain vulnerable. Projections indicate that the global electric vehicle market will grow tenfold by 2030, driving demand that already outstrips supply. The U.S. Department of Energy has identified the Salton Sea in California as a key potential source for geothermal brines rich in lithium.
Geothermal brines, which are used to generate electricity, contain valuable minerals such as boron, potassium and lithium. The University of Connecticut team is designing extraction processes that reduce water and energy consumption and minimize carbon emissions.
Aiming to drive self-sufficiency, the group is creating mathematical models that optimize the location of facilities for lithium extraction, battery manufacturing and electric vehicle production. These models consider costs, transportation and emissions to identify optimal solutions across the country.
The initiative could lay the foundation for a resilient national supply chain and generate more than 100,000 direct jobs. The project is also developing a digital twin of the lithium extraction process through chemical precipitation, which allows simulating scenarios of environmental impact and economic viability.
Geothermal lithium represents a strategic opportunity for the United States to move toward a sustainable energy transition without relying on critical imports. UConn-led research reinforces this path with technical solutions based on science and sustainability.
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Source: UConn
Photo: Shutterstock
