Evonik’s Liocel selected for next phase of Altmark Lithium pilot

In August 2026, Evonik Industries was selected to support the next phase of Neptune Energy’s Altmark Lithium Extraction (ALE) Project in the northern part of Germany. Following successful preliminary tests, Evonik’s Liocel adsorbent has been selected as the first material for evaluation at the direct lithium extraction (DLE) pilot plant developed by Fraunhofer IEG. The project also aims to advance lithium recovery from geothermal brine and strengthen Europe’s supply of critical raw materials.

The Altmark region in Saxony-Anhalt contained a project-specific lithium resource which was estimated at 43 million tons of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE). Neptune Energy plans to recover lithium from geothermal brine using DLE technology. By developing a domestic lithium supply, the company aims to contribute to a more resilient European critical raw materials supply chain.

During Pilot Phase I, Neptune Energy evaluated several commercially available DLE technologies under conditions specific to the Altmark resource. The assessment included both ion-exchange and adsorption-based processes. Following the evaluation, Neptune selected adsorption technology for further testing in Pilot Phase II. For the next phase, Evonik’s Liocel adsorbent will be the first material evaluated, supported by its demonstrated stability and strong performance during preliminary testing. Evonik will also continue to contribute application and process expertise directly at the pilot site.

Impact on the Chemical Market

Fraunhofer IEG developed the pilot plant to demonstrate oxygen-free lithium extraction from geothermal brine. The facility can process up to 1,000 liters of geothermal brine per day. During Pilot Phase II, Neptune Energy will evaluate multiple adsorbent materials over the coming months. The results will also help to identify the most suitable technology for potential future industrial-scale lithium extraction from the Altmark resource.

The collaboration between Neptune Energy, Evonik and Fraunhofer IEG represents another step towards developing direct lithium extraction from geothermal resources. Michael Frey, Vice President and Head of Process Catalysts and Adsorbents at Evonik, also stated that the company is pleased to support the next phase of the project and contribute its technical expertise. As per the press release, by testing adsorption-based lithium extraction under the specific conditions of the Altmark resource, the partners aim to advance a potential domestic source of lithium while supporting Europe’s broader efforts to secure critical raw materials.

Impact on the Lithium Market

The global lithium market size is calculated at USD 11.05 billion in 2025 and is predicted to increase from USD 12.40 billion in 2026 to approximately USD 34.43 billion by 2035, expanding at a CAGR of 12.04% from 2026 to 2035.

According to Precedence Research, the surge in the global adoption of electric vehicles is a key driver for the lithium market. As countries and consumers increasingly prioritize clean energy and sustainability, the demand for lithium-ion batteries in EVs continues to grow significantly. Ongoing technological advancements and improvements in battery efficiency drive the demand for lithium. As research and development efforts lead to more efficient and cost-effective lithium-ion batteries, their applications expand across various industries.

Government initiatives promoting the use of electric vehicles and clean energy also seem to stimulate the growth and development of the lithium market. Subsidies, incentives, and regulations favoring the adoption of lithium-ion batteries are also set to contribute to market growth globally. The increasing pace of industrialization and urbanization worldwide fuels the demand for lithium in various applications. From powering industrial machinery to providing backup energy for smart cities, lithium's versatility makes it a critical component in diverse sectors.

Impact on the Direct Lithium Extraction Market

The global direct lithium extraction market is projected to grow at a solid CAGR during the forecast period. The demand for lithium-ion batteries is the major driver of the global direct lithium extraction market. The rising need for energy storage solutions is playing a crucial role in the market growth. Additionally, the rising government and regulatory initiatives are expected to boost the market in the forecast period.

According to Precedence Research, the rising demand for lithium-ion batteries in electric cars, renewable energy storage, and electronics has driven the surge in the development of sustainable, fast, and efficient direct lithium extraction technologies. The rising utilization of such applications drives the need for improved speed and high-purity lithium extraction processes. Extraction technologies like membrane extraction, sorbent extraction, and solvent extraction are trending in the market.

Additionally, the latest technologies, like absorption DLE for capturing lithium and water to release lithium salts, typically lithium chloride, by using aluminum-based sorbents, and ion exchange DLE for capturing lithium and releasing lithium salts (lithium chloride or lithium sulfate) by washing with an acid, such as hydrochloric acid, by using manganese or titanium-based sorbents, also rapidly transform the lithium storage, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.