Key Takeaways
- NewGenium has developed a breakthrough technology called SuperSynth that allows for the direct extraction of lithium from brine and conversion into lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) in a simplified and cost-effective manner.
- The SuperSynth technology reduces the cost of LFP production to as low as $3/kg, compared to the current levelized cost of $5-15/kg.
- The technology has the potential to onshore LFP cathode production for battery module producers, reducing reliance on imports and promoting domestic production.
- NewGenium’s approach eliminates the need for offshore synthesis of LFP from American-sourced lithium and reduces the environmental impact of traditional lithium evaporation ponds.
- The company’s technology has the potential to support the growth of the US battery industry, which is projected to grow from 400 GWh to 1600 GWh from 2025 to 2035.
Introduction to NewGenium and SuperSynth
NewGenium, a Caltech-rooted technology company, has announced the launch of its breakthrough SuperSynth technology, which allows for the direct extraction of lithium from brine and conversion into lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) in a simplified and cost-effective manner. This technology has the potential to significantly reduce the cost and complexity of LFP production, making it a game-changer for the battery industry. The SuperSynth technology was proven in 2025 at NewGenium’s laboratory in Monrovia, California, and has been shown to reduce the number of operational steps required for LFP production, resulting in significantly less solid waste and lower production costs.
The Growing Demand for Lithium-Ion Batteries
The demand for lithium-ion batteries is soaring, driven by the growing need for electric vehicles and battery energy storage systems. The US market for lithium-ion batteries is projected to grow from 400 GWh to 1600 GWh from 2025 to 2035, with the LFP market expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16-18% during the same period. This growth is driven by the increasing adoption of electric vehicles, which require LFP batteries for their safety, longer life, and lower cost. However, the current production process for LFP is complex and has a significant environmental impact, making it essential to develop more sustainable and efficient production methods.
The Challenges of Traditional Lithium Production
Traditional lithium production involves the use of lithium evaporation ponds, which are a multi-year endeavor requiring substantial land and water. The resulting lithium carbonate is then transported to China, where it is synthesized into LFP, before being shipped back to battery module producers around the world. This process is not only complex but also has a significant environmental impact, making it essential to develop more sustainable and efficient production methods. NewGenium’s SuperSynth technology addresses these challenges by allowing for the direct extraction of lithium from brine and conversion into LFP, eliminating the need for offshore synthesis and reducing the environmental impact of traditional lithium evaporation ponds.
The Benefits of SuperSynth Technology
NewGenium’s SuperSynth technology has several benefits, including reducing the cost of LFP production to as low as $3/kg, compared to the current levelized cost of $5-15/kg. The technology also reduces the number of operational steps required for LFP production, resulting in significantly less solid waste and lower production costs. Additionally, the SuperSynth technology allows for the onshoring of LFP cathode production, reducing reliance on imports and promoting domestic production. This has the potential to support the growth of the US battery industry, which is essential for the development of electric vehicles and battery energy storage systems.
Support from the Lithium Regional Innovation Cluster
The Lithium Regional Innovation Cluster (LRIC) has expressed support for NewGenium’s technology, citing its potential to strengthen national security by building a more resilient and sustainable domestic lithium value chain. The LRIC is focused on supporting innovation and commercialization across the entire lithium value chain, and NewGenium’s technology is seen as a key player in this effort. The LRIC’s mission is to support the development of a domestic lithium industry that is essential for the future of American energy, and NewGenium’s SuperSynth technology is seen as a crucial step towards achieving this goal.
Conclusion
In conclusion, NewGenium’s SuperSynth technology has the potential to revolutionize the production of lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) by reducing the cost and complexity of production, while also promoting domestic production and reducing reliance on imports. The technology has the potential to support the growth of the US battery industry, which is essential for the development of electric vehicles and battery energy storage systems. With the support of the Lithium Regional Innovation Cluster, NewGenium is well-positioned to play a key role in the development of a sustainable and efficient domestic lithium industry.
