OLI Systems has secured a $400,000 contract extension from the U.S. Department of Energy, bringing its total Phase III research funding to $750,000.
OLI Systems, a globally recognized leader in the field of water chemistry simulation, today announced it has been awarded a significant $400,000 research funding extension from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Critical Materials Innovation Hub (CMI), which is expertly operated by Ames National Laboratory. This substantial two-year renewal elevates OLI’s total Phase III research funding to an impressive $750,000, underscoring the vital role of advanced thermodynamic modeling in national resource strategies.
The extended contract reaffirms OLI Systems' pivotal position as the lead commercial partner for the Thermodynamic modeling project. This critical research initiative is strategically designed to bolster domestic access to rare earth elements and other materials deemed critical for national security and economic prosperity. Under the terms of this renewed agreement, OLI will continue to furnish sophisticated modeling tools. These tools are instrumental in driving advancements in material recovery and recycling processes, while also providing crucial support for process development across the extensive CMI research network.
Dr. Andre Anderko, Chief Science Officer at OLI Systems, emphasized the profound impact of this collaboration. "Our continued partnership with CMI vividly illustrates the indispensable role that predictive chemistry plays in strengthening national resource strategies," Dr. Anderko stated. "By meticulously translating complex experimental data into robust and actionable models, we empower technical teams to significantly enhance efficiency and mitigate risks inherent in intricate process designs."
In a move to further expand the scope and depth of its research capabilities, OLI Systems will collaborate with two distinguished academic institutions: Rutgers University and Arizona State University. This collaborative effort is specifically aimed at broadening the existing thermodynamic data and refining simulation capabilities, particularly for the separation of rare earth and Lithium. These advanced models are designed to convert intricate solubility and reaction data into precise free energy expressions.
Phase III of the Critical Materials Innovation Hub has grown into a formidable collaborative ecosystem, now encompassing over 40 participating national laboratories, universities, and private sector industry partners. In this increasingly competitive and dynamic research landscape, OLI Systems' consistent selection for continued funding serves as a powerful testament to the inherent strength and innovative nature of its modeling approach.
OLI Systems' ongoing work with the CMI is a significant component of its broader contributions to other federally funded initiatives. These initiatives span a wide range of critical areas, including advanced critical materials recovery, sustainable geothermal energy solutions, and robust carbon infrastructure development.
