BHE Renewables owns 10 geothermal facilities in the region that have a collective capacity of 345 MW. BHE Renewables, the California Energy Commission and the U.S. Department of Energy have committed a combined $42 million to design and build demonstration projects to determine the ability, in a cost-effective and environmentally responsible way, to recover battery-grade lithium for use in lithium-ion batteries. Efficient Drivetrains Inc. BHE Renewables is advancing research to recover lithium from the brine for potential use in the production of lithium-ion batteries. The key to unlocking the potential of the Salton Sea region is realizing the Lithium Valley vision, which the CEC is leading through its support of the Lithium Valley Commission.”. The grant was announced earlier this month and complements statewide and regional efforts to advance lithium recovery opportunities around the Salton Sea. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. The venture hopes to produce up to 90,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate a year from Berkshire’s Salton Sea geothermal plants, worth $1.5bn at current prices, according to a fundraising document. This nearly $15 million award will support the construction of a demonstration plant to convert lithium chloride into battery-grade lithium hydroxide in Calipatria, California. “With the cost curve coming down so dramatically for other renewables we’ve got to get more competitive. BHER is working with AquaMin to scale up its lithium recovery technology to process 100 gallons per minute (gpm) of geothermal brine from the Region facilities to recover lithium chloride and convert it into lithium carbonate, and BHE Renewables currently produces 350MW of its 4,000 MW of renewable power with geothermal generation in Imperial Valley. BHE Renewables has received a $14.9 million grant in cost matching funding for a demonstration plant to produce battery-grade lithium from geothermal brine at its geothermal operations at the Salton Sea, California. For some interesting background on lithium extraction efforts at the Salton Sea, read this article by Lawrence Berkely Laboratory here. However, Besseling refused to comment about the possible deal with Salton Sea. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. I congratulate BHE Renewables on this nearly $15 million investment and commend their efforts to galvanize a competitive lithium industry in California,” declared Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia. Ultimately, both companies will also build lithium-extraction facilities to draw the valued mineral from the geothermal brine and serve a demand that is escalating rapidly. These metals can be removed from the geothermal fluids – or brine – before they are injected back into the reservoirs for reuse. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. The announcement came from Assembly member Eduardo Garcia, D-Coachella, who sent a statement congratulating the company on receiving the grant as the state continues its push to achieve Gov. Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia (D-Coachella) congratulated BHE Renewables (formerly Cal Energy) on their newly announced $14,894,540 grant from the US Department of Energy. network of BHE lithium recovery facilities by 2025 that would produce up to 90,000 metric tons of high-quality lithium carbonate per year—making the Imperial Valley the foremost lithium production center in the world. Elmore geothermal plant by BHE Renewables (source: Berkshire Hathaway Energy), Blue Ribbon Commission on Lithium Extraction in California, U.S. DOE Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, Grant lead organization: BHER Minerals, LLC, Topic Name/ Large Scale Projects: Electrolytic Production of Battery-Grade LiOH•H2O from Geothermal Brine, Partners: ZAP Engineering & Construction Services, Inc., CalEnergy Operating Corp, Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, Imperial Valley Economic Development Corporation, Momentum. “With the cost curve coming down so dramatically for other renewables we’ve got to get more competitive. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. “While the Salton Sea Geothermal Resource Area is home to the largest deposits of lithium reserves in North America, virtually none is produced in the United States. Source:  Assemblymember Eduard Garcia release, U.S. DOE Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. BHE Renewables will use “a proprietary ion exchange process” that filters out lithium directly from flowing brine within a few hours, CEC staff said in an email to California Energy Markets. “Last year, BHE made major commitments to the future development of renewables in support of the Paris Climate Change Conference,” he wrote. A robust and long-term resource. 2021. I congratulate BHE Renewables on this nearly $15 million investment and commend their efforts to galvanize a competitive lithium industry in California,” declared Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia. Berkshire Hathaway Energy’s unit, BHE Renewables’ vice president Eric Besseling told FT that they had seen a lot of interest in increasing lithium supplies in North America as more and more auto makers shifted towards electric car manufacturing. BHE Renewables, which runs numerous geothermal-energy plants around the Salton Sea area under its subsidiary CalEnergy Operating Corp., was recently awarded a $15 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to support the construction of a demonstration lithium extraction facility in Calipatria. “While the Salton Sea Geothermal Resource Area is home to the largest deposits of lithium reserves in North America, virtually none is produced in the United States. One of the operators, CE Generation, a subsidiary of the giant BHE Renewables, is using $6 million in state grants to piggy-back a lithium-extraction pilot project onto its existing geothermal plants near Calipatria, at the southeast end of the dying sea. This 14-seat commission, created through Garcia’s AB 1657, will bring together industry experts and community stakeholders to review, analyze, and report their recommendations to advance lithium extraction opportunities. "We see a lot of interest in getting North American supply as automakers start to get further into electric vehicles," the FT quoted Eric Besseling, a vice president at BHE Renewables, as saying. Nearly $15 million grant awarded to BHE Renewables for lithium demonstration plant in Calipatria. Powered by renewable energy, the proposed one-tenth commercial-scale demonstration facility will use an innovative solution developed by Lilac Solutions to process 100 gallons per minute (g/m) of geothermal brine, recovering lithium chloride for conversion into one of the world's most valuable commodities: lithium carbonate for use in electric vehicle (EV) batteries, as well as batteries … © ThinkGeoEnergy ehf. Lead Commissioner Workshop on Lithium Recovery from Geothermal Brine - BHE Renewables Description: November 15, 2018 Filer: Erica Chac Organization: California Energy Commission Submitter Role: Commission Staff Submission Date: 11/15/2018 10:35:11 AM Docketed Date: 11/15/2018 “Successful lithium production from geothermal brine could become the catalyst to revive Imperial Valley’s decades-old geothermal power industry, not just creating new jobs but also making the price of baseload geothermal power more cost effective for the benefit of California customers. “After persistent and collaborative advocacy, it is exciting to see momentum build for lithium projects in Imperial Valley. These cookies do not store any personal information. BHE Renewables (formerly CalEnergy) has received a grant by the U.S. Department of Energy for its lithium extraction efforts from geothermal brine at its operations in the Salton Sea, California. I congratulate BHE Renewables on this nearly $15 million investment and commend their efforts to galvanize a competitive lithium industry in California,” declared Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia. Covering stories that matter to the community. BHE Renewables, LLC (BHER) is an independent power producer that oversees unregulated solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal projects. Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia | COURTESY PHOTO CALIPATRIA — Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia (D-Coachella) congratulated BHE Renewables (formally Cal Energy) on their newly announced $14,894,540 grant from the US Department of Energy, according to a press release from Garcia's office. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Lithium is crucial for the transition to renewables, but mining it has been environmentally costly. If these demonstration projects are successful and BHE Renewables moves to … Last year, the CEC awarded a $6 million matching grant to BHE Renewables for a demonstration plant that would recover lithium reliably and cost-effectively from geothermal brine in the form of a lithium chloride solution. Momentum is Building: Lithium Recovery from Geothermal Brine “We worked with a team of five from Momentum on a challenging grant opportunity. These two projects represent bold steps in further solidifying the state’s global leadership in renewable energy and sustainability,” said Jonathan M. Weisgall, Vice President of Government Relations at Berkshire Hathaway Energy. Presentation Re. “We see a lot of interest in getting North American supply as automakers start to get further into electric vehicles,” said VP Eric Besseling of BHE Renewables, a part of Berkshire Hathaway Energy. “Successful lithium production from geothermal brine could become the catalyst to revive Imperial Valley’s decades-old geothermal power industry, not just creating new jobs but also making the price of baseload geothermal power more cost effective for the benefit of California customers. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Last year, the CEC awarded a $6 million matching grant to BHE Renewables for a demonstration plant that would recover lithium reliably and cost-effectively from geothermal brine in the form of a lithium chloride solution. BHE Renewables, a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Energy, is working on modifying its existing geothermal power plants operating in the Salton Sea for lithium extraction. Now a more sustainable source of lithium has been found deep beneath our feet. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. | CONTROLLED THERMAL RESOURCE PHOTO, © 2021 Calexico Chronicle, 1239 W. 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CALIPATRIA — Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia (D-Coachella) congratulated BHE Renewables (formally Cal Energy) on their newly announced $14,894,540 grant from the US Department of Energy, according to a press release from Garcia's office. The CEC’s partnership is instrumental as we propel towards our clean energy and electric vehicle future.”. To … BHE Renewables. On December 9, 2020, the CEC appointed nine members to the new Blue Ribbon Commission on Lithium Extraction in California (Lithium Valley Commission). BHE Renewables has received a $14.9 million grant in cost matching funding for a demonstration plant to produce battery-grade lithium from geothermal brine at its geothermal operations at the Salton Sea, California. On Dec. 9, the CEC appointed nine members to the new Blue Ribbon Commission on Lithium Extraction in California (Lithium Valley Commission). All rights reserved. “While the Salton Sea Geothermal Resource Area is home to the largest deposits of lithium reserves in North America, virtually none is produced in the United States. These power plants are operated by another wholly owned subsidiary, CalEnergy, and will serve as the site for BHER’s pre-commercial geothermal brine pre-treatment for the lithium recovery. This fourteen seat commission, created through Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia’s AB 1657 (2020), will bring together industry experts and community stakeholders to review, analyze, and report their recommendations to advance lithium extraction opportunities. The CEC’s partnership is instrumental as we propel towards our clean energy and electric vehicle future.”. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Inferred lithium resource from eastern half of holdings: ~2.7 million tonnes LCE Total inferred SSGF Resource: ~15 million tonnes LCE Hell’s Kitchen Power Stage 1: 49.9MW Hell’s Kitchen Lithium Stage 1: 20,000 tonnes per annum Lithium Hydroxide Staged Expansion: To meet market demand Total lithium resource capacity: ~300,000 tonnes per annum LCE As global demand for lithium continues to grow and California works to achieve our zero-emission vehicle goals, we are presented with the perfect opportunity for our region to be part of this push and lead economic recovery.”, Garcia went on to acknowledge the California Energy Commission: “We truly appreciate the support and leadership of Commissioner Douglas and Chair Hochschild. Recognizing the timeliness and significance of these grants, CEC Commissioner Karen Douglas said: “Geothermal has been an important part of California’s renewable energy portfolio and there is a growing opportunity to co-locate lithium extraction with geothermal power in the Salton Sea region. In addition to BHE Renewables and CalEnergy, Imperial Valley Economic Development Corp., and others are named grant beneficiaries. These two projects represent bold steps in further solidifying the state’s global leadership in renewable energy and sustainability,” stated Jonathan M. Weisgall, vice president of government relations at Berkshire Hathaway Energy. Last week’s grant announcement complements statewide and regional efforts to advance lithium … Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Through a process known as direct lithium extraction (DLE), a closed-loop system returns spent brine to its original source, ensuring that all power and steam involved in the processing of this important element is completely renewable. The Applicant and the project team are exceptionally well qualified to lead the project, “After persistent and collaborative advocacy, it is exciting to see momentum build for lithium projects in Imperial Valley. Incredible news! The award will support the construction of a demonstration plant to convert lithium chloride into battery-grade lithium hydroxide in Calipatria in the southern portion of the Salton Sea. Simply put, their efforts helped us win.” —Jonathan Weisgall, VP, Regulatory Affairs, Berkshire Hathaway Energy Read More. BHE Renewables, which runs numerous geothermal-energy plants around the Salton Sea area under its subsidiary CalEnergy Operating Corp., was recently awarded a $15 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to support the construction of a demonstration lithium extraction facility in Calipatria. Through its subsidiaries, the company has a combined renewable electricity production capacity of more than 4,000 MW, including 350 MW generated across 10 geothermal power plants in California’s Imperial Valley, not far from the Salton Sea. “While the Salton Sea Geothermal Resource Area is home to the largest deposits of lithium reserves in North America, virtually none is produced in the United States. Gavin Newsom’s zero-emission vehicle goals, Garcia stated in the release sent out Tuesday, Jan. 26. Last year, the CEC awarded a $6 million matching grant to BHE Renewables for a demonstration plant that would recover lithium reliably and cost-effectively from geothermal brine in the form of a lithium chloride solution. CalEnergy/BHE Get $15M Federal Grant for Lithium Plant, Mud pot fields near the southeastern shores of the Salton Sea show the potential energy brewing beneath the surface of the known Salton Sea Geothermal Resource Area where EnergySource have built geothermal plants and others like Controlled Thermal Resources of Australia are also developing geothermal plants. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. The Department of Energy grant was for $14,894,540, which was a one-for-one cost-share match on an overall project cost of $29,789,0981 to turn geothermal brine waste from geothermal-energy operations into battery-grade lithium, according to DOE documents. “We see a lot of interest in getting North American supply as automakers start to get further into electric vehicles,” said VP Eric Besseling of BHE Renewables, a part of Berkshire Hathaway Energy. As global demand for lithium continues to grow and California works to achieve our zero-emission vehicle goals, we are presented with the perfect opportunity for our region to be part of this push and lead economic recovery.”, Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia went on to acknowledge the California Energy Commission (CEC), “We truly appreciate the support and leadership of Commissioner Douglas and Chair Hochschild. I congratulate BHE Renewables on this nearly $15 million investment and commend their efforts to galvanize a competitive lithium industry in California,” Garcia stated in the release. The company, which expects to break ground soon, will build a small-scale demonstration plant to begin operating next year. BRK denied FT's report that its BHE Renewables subsidiary had signed an agreement to allow extraction of lithium from its California geothermal wells and … In Calipatria demonstration projects are successful and BHE Renewables is advancing research to recover lithium the... Assemblymember Eduard Garcia release, U.S. DOE Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy clean Energy electric! In Calipatria that help us analyze and understand how you use this website sustainable source of lithium has been deep! 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