Nobian and Veolia partner to commercialize a new lithium conversion process, advancing sustainable lithium production for Europe's battery industry.
Nobian, a prominent European producer of salt-based chemicals, has entered into a strategic partnership with Veolia Water Technologies Inc. to accelerate lithium hydroxide monohydrate (LHM) production for the battery industry. Through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the two companies will jointly explore commercializing Nobian’s recently patented lithium chloride conversion process. This innovative process transforms lithium chloride into LHM—an essential material used in manufacturing lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles.
The collaboration aims to respond to the surging global demand for battery materials, especially in Europe, by establishing a more sustainable and localized supply of lithium-based compounds. The patented method developed by Nobian utilizes a combination of electrolysis and crystallization to achieve a high-purity conversion of lithium chloride into LHM. This method has been rigorously tested by Veolia, a global leader in water treatment and lithium processing, using its proven HPD™ evaporation and crystallization technology at its advanced Research, Development, and Piloting (RDP) center in Plainfield, Illinois, USA.
By pooling their resources and expertise, Nobian and Veolia intend to scale this novel production method and integrate it into Veolia’s established HPD technology. This integration is expected to form the foundation of a commercially viable, environmentally friendly, and technically robust lithium production process. The goal is to meet increasing European demand while reducing reliance on imported raw materials.
As part of their next steps, the partners will seek strategic collaborations across the lithium value chain. This includes engaging with lithium chloride suppliers, technology partners, battery manufacturers, investors, and potential licensees in Europe and beyond. This collaborative approach aims to accelerate the creation of a self-sufficient and greener European lithium battery ecosystem, thereby enhancing energy security and advancing sustainability goals.
The production process benefits from Nobian’s existing chlor-alkali infrastructure in the Netherlands and Germany. This existing setup allows for efficient scaling, reducing both capital and operational costs. Veolia’s experience, with over 1,000 crystallization and evaporation installations worldwide, reinforces the technical feasibility and scalability of the joint initiative.
Key executives from both organizations have underscored the importance of this partnership. Coert van Lare, Director of the Renewable and Circular Innovation Program at Nobian, emphasized the company’s commitment to meeting global demand for low-carbon, cost-effective lithium battery materials. He highlighted the collaboration’s role in optimizing the use of critical raw materials and promoting technology licensing on a global scale.
Markus Mingenbach, Senior Vice President of Chlor-Alkali & Chloromethanes at Nobian, added that the alliance with Veolia could accelerate the transition of the lithium conversion process from pilot stage to full commercial production. He noted that the initiative is aligned with Nobian’s broader sustainability goals under its "Grow Greener Together" program.
Mark Boone, Executive Vice President of Evaporation and Crystallization Technologies at Veolia, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership. He emphasized that Veolia’s contribution aligns perfectly with its "GreenUp" strategic plan, which focuses on pollution reduction, decarbonization, and resource regeneration. He added that supporting the recovery of strategic metals and advancing lithium technology is essential for Europe’s mineral security and the decarbonization of transportation systems.
By joining forces, Nobian and Veolia are taking a significant step toward reshaping the lithium supply landscape in Europe and ensuring a sustainable future for electric mobility.
