Overview
- Construction has begun in the Upper Rhine Graben near Landau, marking the shift from pilot operations to a commercial plant.
- Vulcan Energy is targeting about 24,000 tonnes per year of lithium hydroxide, enough for roughly 500,000 electric‑vehicle batteries, with larger volumes expected from 2028.
- Financing includes up to €150 million from Germany’s Rohstofffonds and €250 million from the European Investment Bank, alongside Australian export‑credit support, for a total package of roughly €2.2 billion.
- The project combines deep geothermal production with direct lithium extraction, reinjects the brine, and plans to supply renewable heat to local households.
- Officials tout gains in raw‑material security for Germany and Europe, while environmental reviews continue due to induced‑seismicity and other risk concerns.