Select Water Solutions Partners with ISE Chemicals to Develop Iodine Production Facilities Utilizing Water Infrastructure

Introduction

Select Water Solutions, Inc. has recently made headlines with a pivotal announcement regarding a partnership with ISE Chemicals Corporation. This collaboration aims to create commercial iodine production facilities utilizing advanced produced water infrastructure across Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. As the demand for iodine rises in various industries, this partnership positions both companies to pioneer a new path for resource recovery and sustainable practices.

Overview of the Partnership

Under this agreement, ISE Chemicals will take charge of funding, designing, constructing, and operating the iodine extraction and refining facilities. At the same time, Select Water Solutions will supply the necessary produced water, integrating its existing water infrastructure network. This synchronicity in roles allows for the efficient operation of both companies, enabling Select to receive royalty payments for its contributions. The endeavor represents a significant step towards establishing a domestic source of iodine in the U.S., which is vital for numerous applications in medical, industrial, and specialty chemical sectors.

Timeline and Production Goals

The initial iodine production facility is set to commence operations in 2027, specifically located in the heart of the Permian Basin. This initial phase is part of a comprehensive program to explore scalable possibilities across Select’s extensive water infrastructure. The projections are ambitious, targeting the production of approximately 3,000 tonnes of iodine annually by the end of 2030. Achieving this goal will not only bolster domestic production but also support the evolving needs of various industries that rely on iodine.

Advancing Water Infrastructure Growth

This collaboration is a significant advancement in Select Water Solutions' growth strategy, focusing on maximizing the value generated from its water infrastructure segment. As regulations surrounding sustainable water management tighten, Select's expansive network of pipelines, treatment facilities, and recycling systems offers a unique foundation for resource recovery efforts. The partnership exemplifies how companies can innovate to create additional value streams from produced water, aligning with the growing demand for sustainable practices in the energy industry.

Commitment to Innovation

Both companies are committed to pushing the envelope in resource recovery. Select’s CEO, John Schmitz, emphasizes the importance of creating long-term value through their water management platforms, while ISE Chemicals CEO Toshiro Kasuya highlights their expertise in iodine production and the exciting prospects of utilizing produced water in this venture. Combining Select’s infrastructure with ISE’s nearly century-long experience in iodine extraction creates a powerful synergy poised to lead in resource recovery initiatives.

Future Prospects

The collaboration is anticipated to set a precedent for large-scale iodine recovery ventures utilizing existing oilfield water infrastructure, particularly in the United States. Both companies are optimistic that this project will pave the way for future opportunities in resource recovery, further establishing their footprint as leaders in sustainable practices within the energy sector.

Conclusion

As Select Water Solutions and ISE Chemicals embark on this innovative journey, they not only aim to enhance iodine supply but also to demonstrate how existing resources can be managed more expertly and sustainably. This partnership is an exciting development for both firms and the industries they serve, promising a future where resource efficiency and sustainability go hand-in-hand.