Delivering on our purpose Project Development Regions.
For a carbon neutral future, Vulcan is currently active in four project development regions around the Upper Rhine Valley.
Securing Europe's lithium supply chain Phase One Lionheart Project.
Vulcan’s integrated lithium and renewable energy project adapts existing, commercially proven technology to produce battery-quality lithium from naturally heated subsurface brine in the Upper Rhine Valley, to deliver a local source of sustainable lithium for the European battery industry, with a co-product of renewable energy for local heating needs. Our production and processing operations are carbon neutral and use zero fossil fuels in the production process.
Strategically placed Phase One Lionheart and beyond.
Vulcan holds 17 granted licences in the Upper Rhine Valley, for a total secured licence area of 2,234km². The Company plans to develop its licence areas in a phased approach. After Phase One, designated Lionheart, Phase Two and further phases are planned in step out areas. The Lionheart Project plans for one upstream surface facility for geothermal and lithium extraction operations to be fed from multi-well pads. It focuses on the core of the field including existing production wells. Subsequent phases are planned to follow to fully leverage the large licence area that Vulcan has secured.
Sustainable lithium and geothermal renewable energy Project Development Areas.
Current phase and future phases.
Phase One Natürlich Pfalz
Future phase Natürlich Kurpfalz
Future phase Natürlich Hessen
Future phase Natürlich Ortenau
Power for production with Vulcan’s Phase One Plants.
Vulcan’s current Lionheart Project area focuses on the core, brine, and energy-producing assets in the URVBF field. Vulcan is ramping up the first phase of production from its integrated lithium and renewable energy project whilst increasing production and our current renewable energy generation in tandem.
Geothermal and Lithium Extraction Plant Vulcan’s G-LEP.
Phase One commercial Geothermal and Lithium Extraction Plant
- Positive support from local municipalities (November 2024): Vulcan and the City of Landau have signed an option agreement to secure the property in the D12 development plan in the City of Landau. The reservation of the area in the “Am Messegelände Südost Industrial Park” represents a step towards the implementation of the planned integrated Geothermal and Lithium Extraction Plant.
- Fully integrated: The LEP will be constructed next to new Lionheart Geothermal Plant in Landau.
- Total targeted capacity to be 24,000tpa LHM equivalent in LiCl form.
- From the LEP, LiCl solution will be transported to the CLP at the Industrial Park Höchst (Frankfurt).
- Modular build allows for further phased development across other phases in Upper Rhine Valley Brine Field (URVBF).
Central Lithium Plant Vulcan’s CLP.
Phase One commercial Central Lithium Plant
- CLP planned to be located in Frankfurt at the Höchst Industrial Park. Close to 100,000sqm already secured.
- Targeted 24,000tpa LHM capacity with space for further modular expansion.
- Conversion of LiCl to battery grade LHM using electrolysis. Only by-product (saleable) is HCl. Significant synergies with existing chlor-alkali producers in the same chemical park, e. g. Nobian.
- Recycle of purge streams back to LEP – low waste.
- Höchst is one of Europe’s largest industrial estates and is home to around 90 chemical and pharmaceutical companies.
- Infraserv (industrial park operator) contracted to supply power, utilities and services.
Industry water and brine cycle piping Site infrastructure.
- Vulcan will use intermediate heat exchangers at each well site to efficiently transfer heat from geothermal brine into a closed-loop industrial water cycle. This system will send hot water via pipelines to the district heating facility and Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) plants. After the heat is utilised, the cooled water is recirculated back to the heat exchanger for reheating.
- Simultaneously, the cooled lithium-rich brine is directed from the heat exchanger to the Lithium Extraction Plant (LEP) for the lithium extraction to occur. The lithium-depleted brine is then reinjected into the reservoir, completing the cycle.
- This innovative approach offers significant operational advantages. By using clean industrial water for district heating and ORC systems, the risk of scaling is eliminated. Additionally, cooling the brine before it enters the pipeline and LEP greatly minimises scaling potential, enhancing system efficiency and reliability.
From Europe, for Europe European benefits.
- Vulcan offers strong local employment opportunities, with around 410 employees to date, and growing, across a number of disciplines including engineering, project execution, chemicals and technology development.
- Locally produced and processed battery-grade lithium, aiming to be the first in Europe, supplying local offtakers including Stellantis and continuing to strengthen European decarbonisation targets.
- Vulcan’s Lionheart Project has a minimal environmental and social impact, with operational sites located in agricultural areas and no interaction with sites of ecological importance, according to preliminary environmental impact assessments undertaken by Natur SüdWest to date.
- The Lionheart Phase One Project has been deemed eligible for Equator Principles aligned Project Finance and has completed a bankable Environmental and Social Impact Assessment.
“That’s what really gives us and our project the advantage. It’s not just the sustainability, it’s the low cost, it’s the fact that we’ve onshored the supply chain. So the security part of it is that you can’t take it away from Europe – it’s in Europe.”
