Austin Company EnergyX leading lithium extraction for batteries in Texas

AUSTIN, Texas — At present, corporations like Tesla are pushing for solar energy and batteries to assist the electrical grid in Texas at occasions of peak demand. The majority of the lithium produced for these batteries comes from abroad, however Austin-based firm EnergyX is altering that and needs to verify it’s clear sufficient for the setting. 

Creating the lithium to energy the batteries could be dangerous for the setting as a result of the extraction course of can contaminate water. 

Teague Egan, founder and CEO of EnergyX desires to make Texas a powerhouse refinery of lithium, all whereas being environmentally pleasant. 

“There is a chance for EnergyX to turn into a significant substantial participant in vitality transition,” mentioned Egan. “I feel that we’ve carved out a distinct segment in lithium extraction and refinery, during which we’re considered one of if not the chief in that class.”

Lithium is what powers the batteries used for electronics in our every day lives, like a cellphone or laptop computer, even electrical automobiles, however the manufacturing course of could be dangerous to the setting. 

Energyx is aiming to vary that. 

“You probably have a carry or very salty water that has numerous lithium in it, utilizing solvent extraction is among the methods to get lithium out. I feel total, direct lithium extraction is probably the most environmentally pleasant method to extract lithium,” Egan mentioned. 

Batteries may be a future contributor to the Texas grid if handed within the subsequent legislative session, however Teague says provide chain points are slowing issues down. 

“If you consider all the electrical automobile corporations, or all of the automotive corporations that need to transition their fleets to electrical, the rationale that hasn’t occurred faster, is because of the provide chain of procuring batteries, and the supplies that go into batteries.” 

President Biden additionally addresses lithium manufacturing in his Nationwide Blueprint for lithium batteries. It’s listed as a important mineral that’s important to the US’ safety. 

“If we are able to produce lithium extra effectively, extra successfully, in additional abundance, then that may velocity the shift to electrical automobiles and renewable vitality sooner or later,” Egan mentioned. 

Teague may very well be behind making it to that objective and needs to see it occur throughout the subsequent few years.