Using the Earth's inexhaustible heat Deep Geothermal.
Becoming Europe’s leading sustainable lithium business and enabling energy security through geothermal energy.
Carbon neutral, base-load, reliable Geothermal renewable heat.
The geology of the Upper Rhine Valley, rich in hot brine reservoirs, offers ideal conditions for harnessing natural geothermal energy. This abundant resource enables the sustainable production of both renewable electricity and heat, supporting the transition to a cleaner and more resilient energy future.
Beneath the Earth’s surface lies immense untapped energy potential and Vulcan leverages this natural resource to deliver affordable, reliable base-load renewable energy to local communities. By bringing hot geothermal brine from deep underground reservoirs to the surface, we efficiently generate clean, sustainable energy.
Since 2012, the NatürLich Insheim geothermal power plant has been a trusted source of clean energy, supplying thousands of households with environmentally friendly electricity.
Advantages of Geothermal energy.
According to the German Federal Association for Renewable Energy, more than 50% of Germany’s energy is needed for heat. By using geothermal renewable energy, Germany and Europe can generate renewable and therefore carbon neutral heating and cooling energy, drastically reducing Germany’s reliance on imports, and making municipalities more self-sufficient.
How it works District heating with geothermal energy.
Hot brine is extracted from deep underground reservoirs and brought to the surface to generate renewable heat and electricity. These energy outputs are integrated into local power and heating grids, ensuring efficient distribution to local communities and industry. After use, the cooled brine is returned to its natural reservoir in a closed-loop system.
Additionally, carbon neutral cooling energy can be produced from this geothermal heat through a decentralised process, further enhancing sustainable energy solutions.
Increasing renewable energy production More wells, more geothermal energy.
- There are currently 36 geothermal plants operating in Germany, 42 active projects (ca. 84 wells), and the Federal Government is targeting to reach 100 new geothermal projects by 2030.
- Vulcan owns an existing geothermal renewable energy plant with over 12 years of successful production, supplying approximately 6,500 households with renewable power.
- Lionheart will utilise Vulcan’s existing operational capacity, and increase geothermal renewable energy production:
- Insheim: 4.2MW power capacity.
- Additional total planned generation capacity: 33MW power capacity, 30MW heat capacity.
“Safe, reliable and renewable energy from deep geothermal energy.”
How does Vulcan find the right location?
Vulcan conducts in-depth subsurface exploration measurements, reaching several thousand metres below ground using advanced 3D seismic technology. This method employs sound waves generated by brief vibrations to accurately identify optimal sites for extracting hot geothermal brine.
Learn more about 3D seismic technology by clicking the link below.
Learn more About geothermal energy.
As part of our integrated project, we use the Upper Rhine Valley’s deep geothermal energy both to provide renewable energy and to produce sustainable lithium. We are therefore doing our utmost to provide information about deep geothermal energy. Here, you can find further interesting links on the topic.
Since 1991, the German Geothermal Energy Association has made an effort to inform the public about all aspects of geothermal energy and deep geothermal energy. Here you will not only find the latest news and exciting key figures, but also relevant questions about geothermal energy in your home, groundwater protection or insurance in the event of damage.
The State Geothermal Research Center has worked with experts from various fields to provide comprehensive answers to many questions on deep geothermal energy. Easy-to-understand summaries and clear illustrations for each area make the program accessible to everyone.
The Rhineland-Palatinate State Office for Mining and Geology can provide special insights into regional geothermal energy and current projects. It also offers services such as the state earthquake service, or explains legislation that is not only essential for us, but can also provide you with valuable background knowledge.