Low-carbon lithium extraction makes deep geothermal plants cost-competitive in future energy systems

Weinand, Jann Michael; Vandenberg, Ganga; Risch, Stanley; Behrens, Johannes; Pflugradt, Noah; Linßen, Jochen; Stolten, Detlef

doi:10.1016/j.adapen.2023.100148

Cited by 16 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 69 publications

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“…A recent study further highlighted that deep geothermal plants can offer a low-carbon alternative to conventional lithium extraction technologies for lithium from geothermal brines and seawater are emerging as a potentially viable and environmentally friendly solution [10]. A recent study further highlighted that deep geothermal plants can offer a low-carbon alternative to conventional lithium extraction methods [11]. G. Balaram explored potential future alternative resources for rare earth elements and presented the opportunities and challenges associated with them [12].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…As a result, there is a need for more sustainable and environmentally friendly options for chemical elements extraction. Geothermal brine fluids are gaining attention for their potential applications, and research has shown that their use can lead to a significant reduction in CO 2 emissions compared with traditional hard rock lithium procurement methods [11]. Savinova et al have critically assessed the global cobalt supply, focusing on geological, mineral processing, production, and geographic risk profiles, suggesting the need for alternative sources of minerals [18].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Geothermal Energy and Its Potential for Critical Metal Extraction—A Review

Szanyi,

Rybach,

Abdulhaq

2023

Energies

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In an era of accelerating energy transition and growing demand for critical metals essential for clean technologies, the innovative integration of geothermal energy with critical metal extraction stands as a paradigm shift in sustainable resource utilization. This comprehensive review unravels the synergistic potential of coupling geothermal energy systems with critical metal extraction, thereby transforming a dual crisis of energy and resource scarcity into an opportunity for circular economy. Through rigorous analysis of existing geothermal technologies, and extraction methodologies, the study establishes a coherent framework that merges energy production with environmental stewardship. It scrutinizes current extraction techniques, and evaluates their compatibility with geothermal brine characteristics, proposing optimized pathways for maximum yield. Through detailed case studies and empirical data, the paper elucidates the economic and environmental advantages of this multifaceted approach, from reduced carbon footprint to enhanced energy efficiency and resource recovery. It concludes that combined heat and mineral production technology can open new, unexplored resources, increasing the supply of previously untapped resources, while the potential of geothermal energy for sustainable mineral extraction and energy production is in line with Sustainable Development Goal 7, which aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Geothermal Energy and Its Potential for Critical Metal Extraction—A Review

Szanyi,

Rybach,

Abdulhaq

2023

Energies

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“…Geothermal systems are especially often studied as the combination of renewable power and heat production with direct lithium extraction allows to lower the environmental footprint of the whole facility [18]. Sanjuan et al [19] identified six lithium-rich geothermal areas in Europe (Italy, Germany, France and the United-Kingdom) with Li + concentrations ranging from 125 to 480 mg/L.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Recovery of Lithium from Oilfield Brines—Current Achievements and Future Perspectives: A Mini Review

Knapik,

Rotko,

Marszałek

2023

Energies

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In recent years there has been a significant increase in the demand for lithium all over the world. Lithium is widely used primarily in the production of batteries for electric vehicles and portable electronic devices, and in many other industries such as production of aluminum, ceramics, glass, polymers, greases, and pharmaceuticals. In order to maintain the balance between supply and demand for lithium on the global market, it is essential to search for alternative sources of this element. Therefore, efforts are being made to obtain lithium from unconventional sources, an example of which is the recovery of lithium from oilfield brines. This article provides an up-to-date review of the literature in this particular field based on data from different sources (scientific literature databases, patent databases, company websites and industrial online newspapers). The current achievements and future perspectives for the lithium recovery from brines generated during oil and gas extraction were critically reviewed. An emphasis was placed on chemistry of lithium-contained oilfield brines, technologies (both pretreatment and direct lithium extraction) suitable for lithium recovery and industrial results obtained from pilot trials.

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Lithium and water: Hydrosocial impacts across the life cycle of energy storage

Blair,

Vineyard,

Mulvaney

et al. 2024

WIREs Water

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As a key ingredient of batteries for electric vehicles (EVs), lithium plays a significant role in climate change mitigation, but lithium has considerable impacts on water and society across its life cycle. Upstream extraction methods—including open‐pit mining, brine evaporation, and novel direct lithium extraction (DLE)—and downstream processes present different impacts on both the quantity and quality of water resources, leading to water depletion and contamination. Regarding upstream extraction, it is critical for a comprehensive assessment of lithium's life cycle to include cumulative impacts related not only to freshwater, but also mineralized or saline groundwater, also known as brine. Legal frameworks have obscured social and ecological impacts by treating brine as a mineral rather than water in regulation of lithium extraction through brine evaporation. Analysis of cumulative impacts across the lifespan of lithium reveals not only water impacts in conventional open‐pit mining and brine evaporation, but also significant freshwater needs for DLE technologies, as well as burdens on fenceline communities related to wastewater in processing, chemical contaminants in battery manufacturing, water use for cooling in energy storage, and water quality hazards in recycling. Water analysis in lithium life cycle assessments (LCAs) tends to exclude brine and lack hydrosocial context on the environmental justice implications of water use by life cycle stage. New research directions might benefit from taking a more community‐engaged and cradle‐to‐cradle approach to lithium LCAs, including regionalized impact analysis of freshwater use in DLE, as well as wastewater pollution, cooling water, and recycling hazards from downstream processes.This article is categorized under: Human Water > Human Water Human Water > Water Governance Human Water > Water as Imagined and Represented Science of Water > Water and Environmental Change

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Low-carbon lithium extraction makes deep geothermal plants cost-competitive in future energy systems

Cited by 16 publications

References 69 publications

Geothermal Energy and Its Potential for Critical Metal Extraction—A Review

Geothermal Energy and Its Potential for Critical Metal Extraction—A Review

Recovery of Lithium from Oilfield Brines—Current Achievements and Future Perspectives: A Mini Review

Lithium and water: Hydrosocial impacts across the life cycle of energy storage

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