Saudi Arabia
the science
As a part of Saudi Vision 2030, EV supply chain built-out is of paramount importance to the nation to transition from a petroleum-based economy to a global leader in clean energy. Lucid Motors and CEER are projected to produce 500,000 EVs in Saudi Arabia by 2025-26, while capital investments across precursors manufacturing as well as upstream EV mining activities are being executed with utmost urgency and conviction.
As a spin-out from KAUST, LiHyTech has been repeatedly namechecked as a potentially integral missing piece of Saudi Arabia’s grand clean energy transition jigsaw puzzle. Over the years LiHyTech has benefited from research funding, grants, research partnership and investment capital from various channels in Saudi Arabia. We are well positioned to play an integral role in Saudi Vision 2030 clean energy transition initiative.
Saudi Arabia: Oilfield Brine Processing
An estimated annual production of 500,000 EVs starting 2025 could translate to a demand for 30,000 to 40,000 tonnes of LCE per year. Additional buildout of 60 GW of solar and wind power in Saudi Arabia by 2030 could add an additional 100,000 tonnes of LCE consumption in the form of energy storage. We expect to start discussion on lithium sales partnerships with various potential local offtakers, as we prepare to start ramping up DLE production and satisfy all Saudi lithium demand by 2026-27.
Once our first production module demonstrates operating viability, we intend to explore lease financing and asset-backed financing with local Saudi funding sources.
Saudi Arabia: Desalination Brine Processing
Desalination brine contains high concentrations of salts and chemicals that pose ecological threats when disposed of. Treatment and disposal of the leftover brine poses a major challenge and a substantial cost component for desalination plant operators.
With 7 out 10 largest desalination plants located in Saudi Arabia, PIF-owned Saline Water Conversion Corp (SWCC), the world’s largest producer of desalinated seawater with >4 billion m3 of brine produced each year, expects investments in brine mining to exceed US$2.1 billion by 2030.
Our lithium extraction technology provides a desirable solution to sustainably harvest valuable commodities such as lithium, bromine, potassium, magnesium and calcium from desalination brine.