KAUST Develops Innovative Lithium Extraction Technology

Saudi Arabia is poised to transform its position in the lithium industry with a revolutionary breakthrough by researchers at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST).

The scientists have unveiled a method for extracting lithium directly from brine found in oilfields and seawater, a feat that could elevate the Kingdom from an importer to a major producer of the critical metal.

The study has been published in 'Science', the study demonstrates a cost-effective technology capable of extracting lithium from brine with concentrations as low as 20 parts per million. Unlike conventional methods, this process introduces no pollutants or additives, offering a sustainable solution for accessing lithium in sources previously considered uneconomical.

“We optimised a redox electrode bridge to harness osmotic energy, significantly reducing energy consumption in the extraction process,” said Professor Zhiping Lai, co-chair of the KAUST Center of Excellence for Renewable Energy and Storage Technologies. This innovation creates new opportunities for oilfields, mining operations, and geothermal wells, converting waste brine into valuable resources.

KAUST researchers have successfully demonstrated the technology on a pilot scale 100,000 times larger than standard laboratory setups. The technology is competitive with traditional mining techniques and has the potential to unlock hundreds of billions of tons of lithium globally.

“Local lithium extraction strengthens supply chain resilience and enhances energy security,” said Lai. “This innovation positions Saudi Arabia as a leader in the global clean energy market, boosting trade and international influence," he said.

The demand for lithium, a key component in batteries for electric vehicles and consumer electronics, is projected to soar from 750,000 tons in 2020 to over 5 million tons by 2030. Brine and seawater, with lithium reserves 10,000 times greater than conventional sources, could hold the key to meeting this demand.

KAUST startup Lihytech, co-founded by Lai and Professor Kuo-Wei Huang, is spearheading the commercialisation of the technology. The venture has secured USD 6 million in initial funding from Ma’aden and the KAUST Innovation Fund.

In a major development, Lihytech has partnered with Aramco to test the technology using brine from its oilfields. The goal is to establish full-scale production and achieve significant lithium output within Saudi Arabia by 2028.

This innovation not only advances Saudi Arabia’s energy strategy but also cements its role in the global transition to clean energy.