#United States #Texas #Geothermal Energy #Lithium Production #T5 Smackover

T5 Smackover Partners Unveils Groundbreaking Project in East Texas

On February 10, 2026, T5 Smackover Partners, LLC made a significant announcement regarding their groundbreaking geothermal and lithium project located in East Texas. With the aim to establish Franklin, Titus, and Hopkins Counties as a key hub for clean energy and critical minerals, this multi-faceted project integrates geothermal energy generation, ultra-fast electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, and mobile grid-scale energy storage capabilities.

Originally permitted for geothermal development, T5's initial projects have surpassed temperature expectations, validating the area's potential for reliable geothermal power generation. The company plans to implement modular Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) turbines. These are designed for quick deployment, ensuring a rapid launch of power generation.

As part of their innovative energy strategy, T5 is set to develop ultra-fast EV charging stations along the I-30 corridor, aiming for a full charge of passenger vehicles in just five minutes and electric semi-trucks in 20 to 25 minutes. Additionally, the plan includes deploying 75 to 100 megawatts of mobile, dispatchable power, allowing for swift responses to emergencies, disaster recovery, and enhancing grid resiliency in the region.

Apart from geothermal advancements, T5 Smackover Partners has also identified areas within the Smackover Formation that boast some of the world’s highest lithium concentrations. In addition to lithium, significant quantities of other critical minerals such as potassium and strontium have also been confirmed, alongside potential world-class bromine deposits within their acreage. The planned production of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) is estimated to range from 35,000 to 50,000 tons annually, which positions it among the largest lithium production projects in North America.

One of the defining advantages of T5's approach is its hub-and-spoke strategy that promises to speed up production timelines significantly compared to larger, centralized projects that demand extensive financial investment and lengthy permitting procedures. In contrast, T5's modular infrastructure facilitates phased deployment, which allows for earlier commencement of lithium production and incremental capacity increases.

The company’s intent to adopt a modular Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) strategy further enhances its production capability. T5 is expected to announce its DLE technology partner shortly, with significant lithium production anticipated to begin in 2026, ramping up through early 2027.

Expansion plans for T5 include further development of geothermal and DLE projects into additional areas of the East Texas Smackover, setting a pace for both clean energy advancements and domestic mineral supply, fostering long-term regional economic growth.

T5 Smackover Partners, a subsidiary of T5 Holdings, LP, was co-founded by technology entrepreneur Bruce Thompson. Reflecting on the project’s beginnings, Thompson mentioned the significance of the land that had transitioned from a coal mine to a dedicated clean energy site, which showcased a crucial evolution in regional energy production.

In this transformational era, T5 Smackover Partners is leading East Texas away from its historical coal dependency and towards a future dominated by clean energy and crucial mineral extraction. With a commitment to environmental stewardship and local community alignment, the company strives to create a platform for sustainable growth and mineral extraction, benefiting both the community and the nation as a whole.

In conclusion, T5 Smackover’s innovative geothermal and lithium project could reshape East Texas into a prominent player in the landscape of clean energy and critical mineral production in the United States, marking a significant shift towards sustainability and energy independence.