What is BRAIN and
why does it matter
the project
the project
Europe currently imports over 90% of the lithium, boron and potassium it consumes. BRAIN addresses this strategic vulnerability by unlocking a unique local resource: the mineral-rich geothermal brines of the Cesano site in Lazio, central Italy.
Europe currently imports nearly all the lithium, boron and potassium it consumes - including close to 100% of its boron, sourced primarily from Turkey. BRAIN addresses this strategic vulnerability by unlocking a unique local resource: the mineral-rich geothermal brines of the Cesano site in Lazio, central Italy.
What is BRAIN and
why does it matter
the project
Europe currently imports over 90% of the lithium, boron and potassium it consumes. BRAIN addresses this strategic vulnerability by unlocking a unique local resource: the mineral-rich geothermal brines of the Cesano site in Lazio, central Italy.
What is BRAIN and
why does it matter
The Context
The Context
Europe currently imports over 90% of the lithium, boron and potassium it consumes. BRAIN addresses this strategic vulnerability by unlocking a unique local resource: the mineral-rich geothermal brines of the Cesano site in Lazio, central Italy.
The Context
Objectives
Objectives
The project has two core objectives:
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Build and operate a pilot plant capable of processing 400 kg/day of brine to produce battery-grade lithium, commercial-grade SOP and purified boron.
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Complete a Feasibility Study demonstrating the technical, economic and environmental viability of the process, laying the groundwork for full industrial scale-up.
Objectives
The project has two core objectives:
-
Build and operate a pilot plant capable of processing 400 kg/day of brine to produce battery-grade lithium, commercial-grade SOP and purified boron.
-
Complete a Feasibility Study demonstrating the technical, economic and environmental viability of the process, laying the groundwork for full industrial scale-up.
Objectives
What makes BRAIN innovative
What makes BRAIN innovative
BRAIN introduces three key breakthroughs compared to the current state of the art:
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It is the first integrated process for extracting critical raw materials from geothermal brines in Italy.
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It uses advanced aqueous fractional crystallisation and ionic liquids, significantly reducing the use of organic solvents.
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It is designed with a modular, replicable architecture that can be adapted to other geothermal sites across Italy and Europe (Larderello, Campi Flegrei, and beyond).
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BRAIN is the first project in Europe developing an integrated process for the simultaneous recovery of three essential raw materials from geothermal brine — lithium and boron, both classified as Critical and Strategic Raw Materials by the EU, and potassium sulphate (SOP).
Project Timeline
Project Timeline
Funding & Programme
Funding & Programme
BRAIN is funded by the Italian Ministry of Environment and Energy Security (MASE) through a dedicated public call on Critical and Strategic Raw Materials, with a total allocation of €21 million across selected projects. The call was issued under Article 4(1) of Ministerial Decree No. 386/2023, within the framework of Italy’s participation in the Mission Innovation programme.
Mission Innovation is a global initiative launched in Paris in 2015, now bringing together 23 countries and the European Commission, with the shared goal of accelerating clean energy innovation. Member countries commit to significantly increasing public investment in research, development and demonstration of clean energy technologies, to make clean energy affordable and create green jobs and commercial opportunities. Italy participates through a Programme Agreement between MASE and ENEA.
BRAIN falls under the Green Powered Future Mission (GPFM) of Mission Innovation 2.0 (MI2.0), which aims to enable energy systems capable of integrating up to 100% variable renewable energy by 2030. By securing a local, sustainable supply of lithium and boron - two materials essential for battery storage and high-efficiency electric motors - BRAIN directly supports this goal.
Project details
Project code: MI_MPC_00071
Strategic Area: Critical Raw Materials
Theme: Extraction from fluids
Funded under: D.M. n. 386/2023, Art. 4(1)
