Occidental and BHE Renewables, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Energy, have announced a joint venture to demonstrate and deploy TerraLithium’s Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technologies. This venture aims to extract and commercially produce high-purity lithium compounds from geothermal brine.
TerraLithium, owned by Occidental, has patented DLE technologies capable of processing lithium-containing brine into a high-purity, responsibly sourced supply of lithium. BHE Renewables operates 10 geothermal power plants in California’s Imperial Valley, processing 50,000 gallons of lithium-rich brine per minute to generate 345 megawatts of clean energy. The joint venture is currently testing the feasibility of using TerraLithium’s DLE technology at BHE Renewables’ Imperial Valley geothermal facility.
“This joint venture with TerraLithium represents a significant advancement in BHE Renewables’ commitment to environmentally safe and commercially viable lithium production,” said Alicia Knapp, President and CEO of BHE Renewables. “We are excited to work with Occidental to make the Imperial Valley a global leader in lithium production.”
If successful, BHE Renewables plans to build, own, and operate commercial lithium production facilities in California’s Imperial Valley. The joint venture also aims to license the technology and develop commercial lithium production facilities outside the Imperial Valley.
“By combining Occidental’s expertise in brine management with BHE Renewables’ geothermal operations knowledge, we are uniquely positioned to advance sustainable lithium production,” said Richard Jackson, President of U.S. Onshore Resources and Carbon Management, Operations at Occidental. “We look forward to demonstrating how DLE technology can produce a critical mineral essential for achieving net zero goals.”
Lithium is a key component in batteries for electric vehicles, consumer electronics, and energy grid storage. It is also used in industrial applications such as manufacturing glass, ceramics, and pharmaceuticals. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency, battery lithium demand is projected to increase tenfold from 2020 to 2030, driven by battery demand growth.
“Creating a secure, reliable, and domestic supply of high-purity lithium products 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 technologies and advance them toward commercial lithium production.” 
