Derek Benson, Nathan Featherstone, Michael Garska, Paul Hanson
Abstract
By extracting lithium from geothermal brine, California has an opportunity to become a global-scale producer of sustainably sourced lithium while providing an important cornerstone in achieving California’s clean energy goals. Globally, much of the supply chain is localizing as automakers and suppliers, including battery cell manufacturers, are regionalizing the production of vehicles and components in target markets. Coupling lithium facilities with geothermal power in one of the state’s most economically disadvantaged communities has a range of public benefits, including the creation of quality full-time jobs.
EnergySource Minerals, LLC (ES Minerals) pursued a grant project with the California Energy Commission to reduce the uncertainty around the installed costs of the first commercial lithium hydroxide monohydrate plant using geothermal brines. ES Minerals performed significant process and design work to supply an engineering package to a contractor to produce an accurate construction cost estimate. ES Minerals completed (1) design criteria, (2) detailed engineering and design, (3) pilot facility confirmation, (4) product certification, and (5) construction costing.
ES Minerals observed customary factored estimates used early in construction cost assessments were reasonably accurate, but site-specific civil works costs, such as foundations, were notably improved with the engineering and construction cost estimate work. In addition, the engineering work and pilot confirmation provided improved operating costs estimates as well as efficiency improvements.
The recovery of minerals from geothermal brines is commercially viable today. Salton Sea Geothermal Field brines present unique challenges and opportunities. With the right lithium separation technology, California’s renewable baseload generation could increase while providing a key mineral necessary for the electrification of transportation, as well as high-paying, full-time, clean energy jobs in one of California’s most economically disadvantaged counties.
