Forward Water Technologies announces breakthrough in lithium carbonate production

In December 2024, Forward Water Technologies Corp., in collaboration with CleanTech Lithium and Conductive Energy Inc., completed initial trials for producing lithium carbonate sourced from brines in Chile. CleanTech Lithium extracted lithium brine eluate from its facilities and transported the lithium-rich brines to Conductive Energy's operational site in Chicago, Illinois. Once at the Chicago site, Conductive Energy and Forward Water successfully converted the brine into lithium carbonate using Conductive's chemical conversion technology along with Forward Water's proprietary process known as iFOTM. C. Howie Honeyman, the CEO and President of Forward Water, expressed excitement at being part of the team pioneering this production venture utilizing Chilean resources, emphasizing the urgency to produce battery-grade lithium efficiently and at scale. The combined efforts of these companies aim to tackle the growing demand for lithium as a critical component in energy storage and battery technology. This collaboration positions Forward Water favorably within the competitive landscape of lithium production technology. Both CleanTech Lithium and Conductive Energy have been champions of sustainable practices. CleanTech Lithium focuses on methods that emphasize renewable energy and minimizes environmental impact, such as Direct Lithium Extraction with spent brine reinjection. This strategy aims to avoid aquifer depletion while ensuring a sustainable supply of lithium. Conductive Energy, similarly, is devoted to developing a robust domestic lithium supply chain that supports the electrification goals prevalent in many economies today. This pilot project not only demonstrates the viability of the chemical conversion technology utilized by Conductive Energy but also highlights the potential applicability of Forward Water's iFOTM process in scaling up lithium production for broader market use. As the race to meet global battery demand intensifies, this collaboration is expected to yield promising results that could significantly advance the lithium supply chain.