Lithium, an element known for over 200 years, is now gaining significant attention due to its crucial role in energy storage and electric vehicles. It is the main component of lithium-ion batteries, which are expected to power the next generation of electric cars, potentially making it as valuable as gold. Its uneven distribution in the Earth's crust has sparked speculation that Andean South American countries could become the "new Middle East" for lithium. These factors have led to debates about lithium reserves and future demand, with fears of a potential shortage if all cars become electric within 50 years. Lithium, with atomic number 3, was first discovered in 1817 by Johann August Arfvedson. It is the lightest and least dense solid element at room temperature, highly reactive, and present only in compounds in nature. Its unique properties make it valuable in various fields, including batteries, nonlinear optics, lubricants, alloys, and pharmaceuticals. Annual demand for lithium carbonate has grown by 7-10%, reaching about 160,000 tons per year, with 20-25% used in batteries. Energy storage is becoming increasingly important to address pollution, global warming, and fossil fuel shortages. Lithium-ion batteries are the preferred technology for renewable energy and electric vehicles. They require lithium, with demand estimated at 0.8 kg of lithium carbonate per kWh. This demand is not expected to decrease with newer battery technologies like lithium-air or lithium-sulfur, which require more lithium. Tritium, obtained from lithium, could also increase demand. Lithium extraction from brine lakes and salt pans is laborious and expensive, but lithium is also present in seawater. Estimating global lithium reserves is challenging, with current production insufficient to meet the demand for electric vehicles. However, recycling lithium is feasible due to its low melting point and low solubility. Combining brine exploitation with efficient recycling could meet future demands, reducing geopolitical risks. Researchers are also exploring new battery technologies to reduce dependence on lithium.Lithium, an element known for over 200 years, is now gaining significant attention due to its crucial role in energy storage and electric vehicles. It is the main component of lithium-ion batteries, which are expected to power the next generation of electric cars, potentially making it as valuable as gold. Its uneven distribution in the Earth's crust has sparked speculation that Andean South American countries could become the "new Middle East" for lithium. These factors have led to debates about lithium reserves and future demand, with fears of a potential shortage if all cars become electric within 50 years. Lithium, with atomic number 3, was first discovered in 1817 by Johann August Arfvedson. It is the lightest and least dense solid element at room temperature, highly reactive, and present only in compounds in nature. Its unique properties make it valuable in various fields, including batteries, nonlinear optics, lubricants, alloys, and pharmaceuticals. Annual demand for lithium carbonate has grown by 7-10%, reaching about 160,000 tons per year, with 20-25% used in batteries. Energy storage is becoming increasingly important to address pollution, global warming, and fossil fuel shortages. Lithium-ion batteries are the preferred technology for renewable energy and electric vehicles. They require lithium, with demand estimated at 0.8 kg of lithium carbonate per kWh. This demand is not expected to decrease with newer battery technologies like lithium-air or lithium-sulfur, which require more lithium. Tritium, obtained from lithium, could also increase demand. Lithium extraction from brine lakes and salt pans is laborious and expensive, but lithium is also present in seawater. Estimating global lithium reserves is challenging, with current production insufficient to meet the demand for electric vehicles. However, recycling lithium is feasible due to its low melting point and low solubility. Combining brine exploitation with efficient recycling could meet future demands, reducing geopolitical risks. Researchers are also exploring new battery technologies to reduce dependence on lithium.