Equinor Trials DLE with 38–40% US Lithium Potential; Aker BP Boosts Johan Sverdrup Stake to 31.7163%
EQNR•Equinor is piloting direct lithium extraction from oilfield wastewater using adsorption and solvent-extraction, with Marcellus Shale wastewater alone containing up to 38–40% of US lithium demand potential (100% yield assumption). Aker BP increased its Johan Sverdrup Unit stake to 31.7163%, gaining 2.2m barrels oil equivalent for NOK 300m pre-tax.
1. Equinor Explores Direct Lithium Extraction
Equinor has begun pilot programs to recover lithium from oilfield wastewater using adsorption, ion-exchange and solvent-extraction methods that transfer lithium into organic or solid phases. These technologies can complete separation in hours or days and, if scaled, Marcellus Shale wastewater alone could theoretically meet 38–40% of US lithium demand at full yield, creating a potential high-margin revenue stream.
2. Aker BP Raises Johan Sverdrup Stake
Aker BP completed its Johan Sverdrup Unit redetermination, boosting its interest from 31.5733% to 31.7163%, entitling it to an additional 2.2 million barrels of oil equivalent over two years. The partner will pay NOK 300 million pre-tax for historic investment reallocation, with Equinor’s proportional stake and financials updated in Q3 accounts.
