Neptune Energy launches Pilot Phase II for lithium from the Altmark region

“During Pilot Phase I last year, we investigated various DLE technologies available worldwide to assess their suitability for the conditions in the Altmark region. Following tests using ion-exchange and adsorption processes, adsorption technology proved to be the most promising for the conditions in the Altmark region. We now intend to further develop this process in collaboration with Fraunhofer IEG,” explains Joachim Sluet, Midstream Manager and head of pilot projects at Neptune Energy.

In Pilot Phase II, various adsorbent materials will be tested and evaluated over the coming months in a pilot unit for direct lithium extraction developed in collaboration with Fraunhofer IEG. Evonik Catalysts has been selected to supply the adsorbent material for the first test phase, having demonstrated its stability and performance in preliminary trials. In addition, Evonik is supporting the pilot programme by providing on-site application and process expertise. Adsorbents are designed to selectively adsorb (attract) lithium ions from the brine. The lithium is then desorbed (separated) from the adsorbent, producing a solution with a high lithium content: lithium chloride. This can be processed in further steps to produce battery-grade lithium carbonate or lithium hydroxide monohydrate – the raw material for the European battery and electric mobility industry.

The pilot unit, developed in collaboration with Fraunhofer IEG, enables the extraction of lithium in an oxygen-free environment, with a processing capacity of up to 1,000 litres of thermal water per day. Thanks to three adsorption columns operating simultaneously, the adsorption (attraction) and desorption (release) of the lithium ions can take place almost simultaneously.

“The DLE pilot unit developed in collaboration with Fraunhofer IEG is providing us with important insights into selecting the optimal adsorbent material for the brine from the Altmark region. This brings us another step closer to industrial-scale lithium production from the Altmark region,” adds Dr Axel Wenke, Director of New Energy & Business Development.

Through the Altmark Lithium Extraction Project (ALE), Neptune Energy aims to contribute to the domestic supply of critical raw materials and to the development of resilient European supply chains.

Commercial lithium production is set to begin gradually from 2030. The aim is to produce up to 25,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) annually in the 2030s. This corresponds to the lithium required for the batteries of around 500,000 electric vehicles per year.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Energy Infrastructures and Geotechnologies (IEG) brings application-oriented research to its projects with industrial partners in order to develop mineral deposits in Germany, such as the lithium deposit in the Altmark region. The process engineers at IEG translate scientific findings into practical applications. Their remit covers plant engineering, ranging from simple test benches to the integration of new material or thermodynamic processes into existing large-scale plants. Neptune Energy has commissioned Fraunhofer IEG to carry out pilot-scale extraction trials specifically for the Altmark site.

Neptune Energy is one of Germany’s leading commodities companies. With over 135 years of experience, we ensure a secure supply for industry and society. Our aim: Today we produce what counts tomorrow. Around 460 employees across many regions of Germany and at our head office in Hanover are committed to three key areas of activity

Base – Gas & Oil: safe and reliable production of domestic energy resources

Balance – plugging andabandonment: taking responsibility for the past and restoring nature

Boost – New Energy: actively shaping the future, for example with lithium from Germany

This is how we combine experience with progress. Neptune Energy’s revenue for the 2025 financial year stood at 332 million euros (IFRS). Total annual production of gas and oil amounted to 5.9 million barrels of oil equivalent (boe).