De Nora and Tuleva partner to build major U.S. lithium hydroxide electrochemical plant, strengthening sustainable domestic battery supply chains.
The newly signed agreement represents a major strategic advancement toward establishing one of the largest electrochemical facilities in the United States dedicated to the production of lithium hydroxide — a critical material underpinning the global rechargeable battery ecosystem. As demand for lithium-based compounds continues to accelerate worldwide, this project positions itself at the forefront of strengthening domestic manufacturing capacity for battery-grade materials.
Global lithium consumption has surged in recent years, fueled by rapid expansion in electric vehicles, grid-scale energy storage systems, portable electronics, and a broad spectrum of decarbonization technologies. As governments and industries intensify efforts to reduce carbon emissions and transition to clean energy, secure and resilient supply chains for critical raw materials have become a strategic priority. In this context, expanding lithium refining capabilities within the United States plays a pivotal role in reducing import dependence, reinforcing supply chain stability, and supporting the fast-growing North American battery manufacturing sector.
Under the terms of the agreement, Industrie De Nora will provide Tuleva Inc., a U.S.-based company focused on sustainable clean-energy material production, with a complete electrochemical plant. The facility will incorporate two advanced ion-exchange membrane bipolar electrolysis systems known as CECHLO 2C 843L. These systems are engineered to deliver superior energy efficiency, high operational reliability, and strong environmental performance. Their design supports a circular production model that significantly reduces reliance on hazardous chemicals, aligning with evolving environmental and regulatory standards.
The plant is designed to achieve an annual production capacity of approximately 11,000 metric tonnes of battery-grade lithium hydroxide monohydrate. This high-purity compound is an essential precursor for manufacturing high-performance lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles and advanced energy storage technologies. By integrating state-of-the-art electrochemical technology and a closed-loop process, the facility is expected to enhance overall production efficiency while lowering CO2 emissions, minimizing water consumption, and reducing the environmental footprint compared to conventional lithium refining methods.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) enables both companies to initiate preliminary engineering activities while finalizing the definitive sale and purchase agreement. The binding agreement is expected to be signed upon completion of Tuleva’s financing process. The MoU further includes a commitment to negotiate and execute a formal supply contract. The estimated value of the electrolysis systems exceeds €10 million, subject to final contractual documentation. Delivery of the systems is projected within 15 months following execution of the definitive agreement.
Paolo Dellachà, CEO of Industrie De Nora, emphasized that the partnership marks an important milestone in expanding the company’s footprint in the rapidly growing lithium market, which is increasingly central to the global energy transition. He highlighted the company’s customer-focused strategy and its commitment to delivering sustainable, high-performance electrolysis solutions that address rising demand for critical materials.
Madan Manoharan, CEO of Tuleva Inc., noted that collaboration with De Nora is instrumental to advancing a lithium refining project of global relevance. He underscored that the electrochemical component is fundamental to achieving targeted production capacity, premium product quality, and long-term operational sustainability, strengthening Tuleva’s position in the North American market.
