Feasibility of a Wave-Powered Lithium Extraction System

Abstract Limited supply and rising demand for lithium-ion batteries due to growth in EVs, consumer electronics, and grid energy storage requires alternative sources of lithium (Li) to sustain growth. The ocean has over 5,000 times more Li than the world’s total land reserves, with elevated concentration levels found in several Li “hotspots”. A novel, coupled Li extraction and cathode manufacturing system is a potential solution for our Li needs that reduces the time, environmental impact, energy demand, and costs associated with the Li-ion battery supply chain. The process still requires a substantial amount of energy to meet forecasted demand, and most Li hotspots are in remote locations without access to a grid-scale energy source. Integrating wave energy conversion (WEC) with the coupled Li extraction and manufacturing system has potential to be an emission-free, self-powered system that is deployable in any favorable wave resource environment. In this study, we investigated the feasibility of deploying a wave-powered Li extraction system by evaluating the integration of reference model WEC devices and the coupled extraction and manufacturing process at the Li hotspots. Preliminary results for the selected locations have shown that a single WEC can generate enough energy to produce 40,000–210,000 kgLi-EMD annually.