CTR to supply geothermal lithium to Stellantis for EV production

Controlled Thermal Resources drilling rig (source: CTR)

Stellantis N.V. and Controlled Thermal Resources Ltd. (CTR) have announced the signing of a binding offtake agreement for CTR to supply battery-grade lithium hydroxide for use in Stellantis’ North American electrified vehicle production.

CTR’s Hell’s Kitchen Project in California’s Imperial County will recover lithium from geothermal brines utilizing renewable energy and steam to produce battery grade lithium products in an integrated, closed-loop process, eliminating the need for evaporation brine ponds, open pit mines, and fossil-fueled processing.

CTR will supply Stellantis with up to 25,000 metric tons per year of lithium hydroxide over the 10-year term of the agreement. Stellantis announced in late 2021 a similar supply deal to support its European vehicle production.

“In the fight against global warming, bolstering our battery electric vehicle supply chain to support our bold electrification ambitions is absolutely critical,” said Carlos Tavares, Stellantis CEO. “Ensuring we have a robust, competitive, and low-carbon lithium supply from various partners around the world will enable us to meet our aggressive electric vehicle production plans in a responsible manner.”

“This definitive offtake agreement with Stellantis sets a new benchmark for the automotive industry in the United States,” said Rod Colwell, CTR’s CEO. “Securing clean lithium produced with energy from a renewable resource helps to further decarbonize the battery supply chain which in turn, delivers cleaner cars with less environmental impact. We look forward to a strong and successful relationship with Stellantis.”

In late 2021, CTR commenced drilling of the first well for the Hell’s Kitchen Lithium and Power project in Imperial Valley, California. CTR has also previously signed supply agreements with General Motors (GM) and Italian electric vehicle battery manufacturer Italvolt.

Source: Stellantis