Neptune Energy has achieved a major milestone in the development of Europe’s lithium supply chain with the successful production of its first battery-grade lithium carbonate (Li2CO3) from natural gas field brine at its Altmark site in Germany. The process was carried out in partnership with KBR, utilizing the company’s proprietary PureLi® lithium refining and conversion technology.

This achievement represents a significant advancement in sustainable lithium production, particularly for Europe, which is seeking to secure reliable sources of critical battery materials to support the ongoing transition to electric mobility and renewable energy. Battery-grade lithium carbonate is a vital component used in the manufacture of lithium-ion batteries, which power electric vehicles (EVs) as well as a wide range of portable electronics, including smartphones, laptops and tablets.

The milestone is the result of a multi-stage process. In November 2024, Neptune Energy, under the technical leadership of KBR, produced its first batch of technical-grade lithium carbonate from lithium chloride (LiCl), which was extracted from brine using Geolith’s Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) Li-Capt® technology. Recently, this lithium chloride has been successfully refined into high-purity lithium carbonate with a concentration of 99.5 percent—meeting the stringent standards required for battery applications.

KBR’s PureLi® technology was central to this success. The process includes advanced refining steps such as lithium chloride concentration, impurity removal, and final crystallization of lithium carbonate. These steps are designed to maximize efficiency, minimize environmental impact and deliver consistent product quality at commercial scale.

“Congratulations to the entire team on this important milestone,” said Hari Ravindran, senior vice president of Technology Solutions at KBR. “Strengthening regional lithium supply chains is critical to ensuring energy security, and KBR is proud to support this project. With our advanced PureLi technology, we are helping secure a reliable supply of high-purity lithium to meet the growing demand for e-mobility and clean energy technologies.”

Axel Wenke, director of New Energy at Neptune Energy, emphasized the value of the collaboration and the technology’s potential.

“KBR played an important role in our first lithium pilot project in the Altmark region,” Wenke said. “Thanks to KBR’s guidance and experience in the DLE sector, we were able to produce lithium carbonate from Altmark brine in our Lingen-based laboratory. This is an exciting step for both Neptune and the broader European energy transition.”

The successful conversion of lithium chloride to battery-grade lithium carbonate demonstrates the viability of geothermal and gas field brines as a local and sustainable lithium source. It also highlights the importance of strategic partnerships and technological innovation in securing Europe’s energy future.