News Summary
LibertyStream Infrastructure Partners Inc. is making significant progress in lithium production by setting up a lithium carbonate refining unit in Texas. This facility is crucial for scaling domestic production of lithium to meet the increasing demand for electric vehicle batteries. Additionally, LibertyStream secured a $500,000 grant from North Dakota to support battery-grade lithium production. This initiative aims to create a comprehensive ecosystem for lithium production, enhancing local economies and contributing to a sustainable energy future.
Texas – LibertyStream Infrastructure Partners Inc. has made notable strides in the installation of its lithium carbonate refining unit in Texas, marking a significant advancement towards boosting domestic lithium production. This refining unit will enhance the capacity to produce lithium for industrial and battery-grade applications, thus playing an essential role in the increasing demand for lithium in various sectors.
In a concurrent development, LibertyStream and its North Dakota collaborator, Wellspring Hydro, have been awarded a $500,000 grant from the State of North Dakota. This funding is aimed at facilitating the establishment of lithium carbonate production within North Dakota, catering to the future battery cell manufacturing industry. Together, these initiatives further solidify LibertyStream’s commitment to establishing a vertically integrated supply chain for high-purity lithium carbonate.
The lithium refining unit is strategically positioned adjacent to extraction facilities in the Permian Basin, located in West Texas. LibertyStream has announced that it remains on track to commence commercial production of lithium carbonate with this facility. Site preparation activities began in early October 2025, and the installation of the refining unit is now substantially complete, transitioning into the commissioning phase.
Once fully operational, the refining unit is expected to yield up to 10 tonnes per annum (tpa) of lithium carbonate. This production capacity will meet the requirements for industrial-grade and battery-grade lithium necessary for various applications, including electric vehicle batteries and energy storage systems. Bulk samples collected from the Texas field site will soon be made available for prospective customers to facilitate qualification and discussions about product off-take agreements.
The recently awarded grant of $500,000 from North Dakota’s Renewable Energy Program will focus on ensuring the produced lithium carbonate meets the high standards required for battery applications. This funding aims to carry out essential commercialization steps, including the qualification of site-specific lithium extraction processes and high-value third-party testing.
A significant aspect of this grant will focus on validating the lithium refining processes to fulfill the specifications set by battery cell manufacturing facilities in North Dakota. The validation efforts will include collaboration with the University of North Dakota and various cathode cell manufacturers, promoting a robust local battery production capability.
The broader vision behind these initiatives is to foster a comprehensive life-cycle lithium ecosystem within North Dakota that encompasses everything from lithium extraction to the eventual manufacturing of batteries. The North Dakota Renewable Energy Program, established in 2007, has been pivotal in encouraging the growth of renewable energy technologies and advancements within the state.
LibertyStream is committed to utilizing its innovative technologies to capitalize on existing oil and gas infrastructure, ultimately aiming to minimize capital costs while supporting transitions to cleaner energy solutions. The company’s focus remains on delivering sustainable long-term shareholder value, operational efficiency, and transparency in its endeavors.
As the global demand for lithium continues to rise, LibertyStream’s initiatives in both Texas and North Dakota position the company to play a vital role in the expanding lithium supply chain, reinforcing the importance of domestic production capabilities in renewable energy sectors and beyond.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Business Wire: LibertyStream and Wellspring Hydro Announce $7,000,000 Grant
- GlobeNewswire: Volt Lithium Scales Up U.S. Field Operations in Texas
- Mining.com: Chevron Joins Oil Majors in U.S. Lithium Production Push
- Streetwise Reports: North Dakota’s Oilfield Brines to be Tested for Lithium Extraction
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lithium
Author: STAFF HERE GEORGETOWN
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