GEA’s Cutting-Edge Technology Powers POSCO Group’s Ambitions with New Lithium Hydroxide Plant in Argentina

GEA’s Cutting-Edge Technology Powers POSCO Group’s Ambitions with New Lithium Hydroxide Plant in Argentina

(IN BRIEF) GEA’s advanced evaporation and crystallization technology is central to POSCO Group’s new $1 billion lithium hydroxide (LHM) plant in Güemes, Argentina, which was inaugurated in October 2024. The plant, capable of producing 25,000 tons of lithium hydroxide annually—enough for 800,000 EV battery packs—positions itself as a benchmark for Latin American lithium production. Developed specifically for POSCO, GEA’s technology ensures high efficiency, reduced waste, and premium product quality. The partnership, now in its fifth project together, also includes collaborations on carbon capture in Korea and digital twin technology in Argentina, highlighting their shared commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions.

(PRESS RELEASE) DÜSSELDORF, 5-Dec-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — GEA’s state-of-the-art evaporation and crystallization technology has been instrumental in the successful launch of POSCO Group’s new lithium hydroxide (LHM) production facility in Güemes, Argentina. Officially inaugurated in late October 2024, this marks the fifth lithium salt production plant delivered by GEA to POSCO. As the fourth-largest steel producer globally, POSCO is leveraging this milestone to support its goal of becoming a top-three lithium producer by 2030.

The Güemes facility, with a $1 billion investment, boasts a production capacity of 25,000 tons of lithium hydroxide annually—enough to power 800,000 electric vehicle (EV) battery packs. This cutting-edge plant is now a model for lithium production in Latin America, showcasing advanced technological innovation and sustainable practices.

GEA’s Customized Process: Tailored for POSCO

GEA developed a bespoke process for POSCO, ensuring high performance, low waste, and energy efficiency. The technology delivers premium-grade lithium hydroxide crystals while minimizing environmental impact. This groundbreaking process was designed to withstand the unique corrosive conditions of lithium production, incorporating GEA’s flagship technologies, including falling film evaporators, forced circulation crystallizers, and mechanical vapor recompression systems.

The project began with rigorous laboratory testing to understand the materials and corrosion properties, followed by validation at GEA’s semi-industrial pilot plant. This comprehensive approach enabled GEA to deliver a fully optimized system that meets POSCO’s exacting standards for reliability and quality.

Recognition and Regional Impact

The plant’s inauguration was attended by key leaders, including Kwangbok Kim, President of POSCO Argentina, Jun Hyung Kim, Executive Vice President of POSCO’s Rechargeable Batteries Division, and high-ranking officials from Argentina and South Korea. During the event, GEA’s crystallization team received special recognition for their role in bringing this ambitious project to fruition.

Expanding Collaboration Between GEA and POSCO

The partnership between GEA and POSCO extends beyond this lithium project. In Korea, the two companies are collaborating on NaHCO₃ crystallization for carbon capture processes. Additionally, GEA is advancing the use of digital twins in Argentina to enhance operator training, streamline troubleshooting, and shorten commissioning times.

A Step Toward a Sustainable Future

The Güemes plant underscores the strategic collaboration between GEA and POSCO in driving sustainable advancements in lithium production. By integrating cutting-edge technology and operational expertise, the project supports both companies’ ambitions to lead in the energy transition and establish benchmarks for global lithium processing.

This achievement marks another chapter in the enduring partnership between GEA and POSCO, with further projects underway to expand their impact across multiple regions and industries.

About GEA

GEA is one of the world’s largest suppliers of systems and components to the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. The international technology group, founded in 1881, focuses on machinery and plants, as well as advanced process technology, components and comprehensive services.

With more than 18,000 employees, the group generated revenues of about EUR 5.4 billion in more than 150 countries in the 2023 fiscal year. GEA plants, processes, components and services enhance the efficiency and sustainability of customer’s production. They contribute significantly to the reduction of CO2 emissions, plastic usage and food waste. In doing so, GEA makes a key contribution toward a sustainable future, in line with the company’s purpose: ”Engineering for a better world“. GEA is listed on the German MDAX the European STOXX® Europe 600 Index and is among the companies comprising the DAX 50 ESG, MSCI Global Sustainability as well as Dow Jones Sustainability World and Dow Jones Sustainability Europe Indices.

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SOURCE: GEA