Research indicates the soaring demand for lithium – a critical element used for batteries, energy storage, semiconductors and electric vehicles, among various other products – could be addressed using flowback and produced water from shale gas development in Pennsylvania.
According to a report published by the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), enough lithium can be extracted from Marcellus Shale produced water to supply nearly 40% of domestic consumption of this critical mineral. Currently, the United States is a net lithium importer relying primarily on China, Russia and South America, and this scientific analysis by one of the leading energy laboratories in the world, shows once again how abundant Pennsylvania natural gas can enhance America’s energy, environmental and national security.
“The drilling boom in Appalachia created large volumes of produced water that is considered a waste. We found that this fluid is significantly enriched with lithium compared to produced water from other shale formations,” said Justin Mackey, project lead and a contract researcher with NETL.
Pennsylvania operators have pioneered responsible produced water recycling and reuse within the industry (currently reusing ~95% of wastewater produced), but extracting important elements like lithium, salt, calcium, etc. for a beneficial use is yet another innovative opportunity to meet other needs of our dynamic economy.
According to NETL, this is the first time there has been proven economic value in extracting this mineral from wastewater in the state, and the finding comes at a critical time. Lithium demand has tripled since 2017 and is set to grow tenfold by 2050, according to the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) Net Zero Emissions by 2050 Scenario. The process of extracting lithium from industry flowback and produced water could yield about 1,160 metric tons per year and would help meet projected demand rather than being reliant on foreign imports (making us geopolitically vulnerable) or waiting indefinitely for uncertain regulatory approval of domestic mining operations.
In addition to assuring a domestic supply of a much-needed mineral resource, NETL’s research further demonstrates the importance of investing in hydrocarbon resource development, especially for sustained energy and environmental progress. Electric power, motor fuels, plastics and petrochemicals, hydrogen and now lithium are a few of the many benefits of domestic natural gas development and its ever-expanding role in providing for a more sustainable and secure energy future for our country.
