Gradiant launches first full-scale lithium facility from produced water, pioneering domestic, sustainable battery-grade lithium supply via alkaLi’s EC² platform.
Gradiant, a global leader in advanced water and resource recovery solutions, has announced the launch of the world’s first fully integrated lithium production facility utilizing oilfield produced water. Operated under its lithium-focused subsidiary, alkaLi, this groundbreaking facility is located in the Marcellus Shale Formation in Pennsylvania. It marks a significant milestone as the first commercial site to implement alkaLi’s proprietary EC² (Extract, Concentrate, Convert) platform in a complete, end-to-end lithium production process.
The EC² system, introduced last year, is engineered to recover at least 95% of lithium at customer locations. It allows producers to obtain battery-grade lithium carbonate with greater speed, lower costs, and enhanced sustainability. The Pennsylvania site is fully owned and operated by alkaLi, encompassing equipment, land, water and mineral rights, and all necessary permits. This vertically integrated model bypasses many traditional project delays, helping to secure a long-term U.S. lithium supply.
Currently undergoing testing, the facility has already exceeded initial performance goals—demonstrating 97% lithium recovery and 99.5% purity for battery-grade lithium carbonate. Full-scale commercial production is expected to begin by early 2026.
In a major commercial milestone, alkaLi has secured a multi-year offtake agreement with a U.S.-based lithium-ion battery manufacturer. The agreement entails supplying up to 5,000 metric tonnes annually of battery-grade lithium carbonate for use in electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems (ESS), highlighting both market demand and the maturity of the alkaLi platform.
alkaLi offers flexible engagement models:
• Licensing the EC² system to lithium producers
• Designing, building, and operating customized integrated systems
• Producing and selling lithium directly from alkaLi-owned facilities
CEO Anurag Bajpayee emphasized the significance of this achievement: “We now have a fully operational lithium asset in the U.S. proving that EC² is not just a concept—it’s reality. Our intention is to enable the broader industry to meet surging demand for battery-grade lithium and support the clean energy transition.”
The EC² process represents a technological leap in lithium production by combining Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE), concentration, and conversion in one seamless workflow. Compared to traditional methods, EC² offers:
• Up to 50% lower capital and operating costs
• Modular, pre-engineered systems for scalable global deployment
• AI-driven optimization for real-time control and predictive maintenance
• Reduced environmental impact and simpler permitting
• Compatibility with diverse feedwater sources, including geothermal brine and recycled materials
Gradiant and alkaLi are inviting collaboration from customers, investors, and partners to scale this innovation and drive the clean energy revolution forward.
