Equinor takes 45% stake in lithium projects in Arkansas, Texas

USA grants Equinor, Standard Lithium $225 million

LITTLE ROCK, January 16, 2025 – Equinor and Standard Lithium have received a USD 225-million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for their South West Arkansas (SWA) lithium project, Equinor said on Thursday.

In May 2024, Equinor acquired a 45% stake in two lithium project companies in the USA from Standard Lithium.

The two projects are located in Southwest Arkansas and East Texas. Standard Lithium will retain operatorship and the remaining 55% stake in each.

The projects will deploy direct lithium extraction (DLE) technologies, which entail a lower environmental footprint than traditional production methods. DLE involves extracting lithium from brines located deep underground, then reinjecting the brine without lithium back into the subsurface.

Funds from the DOE’s Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains will support construction of a processing facility for the SWA project, which in Phase 1 aims to produce 22,500 tonnes per year of lithium carbonate for use in battery production.

“The U.S. Department of Energy’s support demonstrates the project’s maturity and strengthens its financial robustness as we work towards a final investment decision,” said Hege Skryseth, Equinor’s executive vice-president for technology, digital and innovation.

“We look forward to working with Standard Lithium and alongside the local community to enhance the US lithium supply chain by deploying innovative technology.”

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