Is Oklahoma the Next Lithium Capital?

Stardust Power, OG&E pact and new FEL-3 milestone propel Muskogee refinery closer to launch

10 Sep 2025

A high-stakes lithium project in Oklahoma just cleared two major hurdles on its path to becoming one of North America's largest refineries.

On May 5, Stardust Power struck a landmark agreement with Oklahoma Gas and Electric to build a dedicated substation at its Muskogee site. The deal ensures the sprawling plant will have the reliable electricity it needs to run at full scale, with OG&E footing the construction and handling operations while Stardust commits to long-term energy use.

The facility is designed to process lithium, a mineral at the heart of electric vehicles, battery storage, and advanced technology. With global demand climbing, the Muskogee plant could reduce U.S. reliance on foreign suppliers and position Oklahoma as a rising hub for clean energy manufacturing.

The company also hit a technical milestone on September 9, completing its FEL-3 report, which firms up cost estimates and design details. That step brings the project closer to a final investment decision and gives investors a clearer view of its potential.

The refinery is expected to draw up to 40 megawatts, requiring significant grid upgrades. Executives frame the partnership as more than a power deal. "Reliable and scalable power is the foundation of our operations, and OG&E's support ensures this facility can transform the energy landscape," said chief executive Roshan Pujari.

Beyond infrastructure, the project promises jobs and economic lift. Chief operations officer Chris Celano stressed its impact on both Muskogee and the wider state, while analysts see it as part of a broader U.S. push to expand domestic mineral processing.

Financing and final approvals remain, but momentum is building. If completed, the refinery could create hundreds of jobs and serve as a model for how utility partnerships help anchor the next generation of clean energy infrastructure.

In a global race for resources, Oklahoma's lithium gamble is quickly turning into a story worth watching.