In a strategic move to tap into the burgeoning lithium market, Occidental Petroleum has announced a joint venture with Berkshire Hathaway’s energy unit, BHE Renewables. The partnership aims to extract and commercially produce high-purity lithium compounds at Berkshire’s geothermal facility in California’s Imperial Valley.
Lithium, a critical component in the production of batteries for electric vehicles (EVs), consumer electronics, and energy storage systems, has become an increasingly valuable commodity as the world transitions towards a more sustainable future. Oil and gas giants are recognising the importance of diversifying their portfolios and investing in the electrification sector to align with government initiatives promoting the widespread adoption of EVs and reducing fossil fuel consumption.
Occidental’s direct lithium extraction technology will be utilised in this joint venture, enabling the extraction of lithium from geothermal brine in an environmentally safe manner. The project will demonstrate the feasibility of this innovative approach, potentially paving the way for commercial-scale lithium production facilities in the region.
BHE Renewables, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Energy, operates 10 geothermal power plants in California’s Imperial Valley, processing a staggering 50,000 gallons of lithium-rich brine per minute to generate 345 megawatts of clean energy. Upon successful demonstration of Occidental’s technology, BHE Renewables plans to build, own, and operate commercial lithium production facilities in the same area, leveraging the abundant geothermal resources and existing infrastructure.
The joint venture between Occidental Petroleum and Berkshire Hathaway’s energy unit represents a significant step forward in the energy sector’s transition towards sustainable practices and the embrace of emerging technologies. By combining Occidental’s expertise in lithium extraction with Berkshire’s geothermal assets, the partnership aims to establish a reliable and environmentally responsible source of lithium compounds to meet the growing demand from the EV and energy storage industries.
Major oil companies worldwide are actively seeking opportunities to diversify their portfolios and position themselves in the electrification market. Exxon Mobil has plans to commence lithium production from sub-surface wells by 2027, while European giants like BP and Shell have invested in EV charging station networks as part of their energy transition strategies.
As the world accelerates its shift towards sustainable energy solutions, collaborations like the Occidental-Berkshire Hathaway joint venture are expected to play a crucial role in securing reliable and environmentally responsible sources of critical materials such as lithium. This partnership not only showcases the energy industry’s adaptability but also highlights the potential for innovative technologies to drive progress in the pursuit of a greener future.