Permit Win Puts Vulcan on Track—but Financing and Market Risks Loom
Vulcan Energy has obtained the final permit to build its commercial Lithium Extraction Plant in Landau, Germany, marking a major milestone for its Phase One Lionheart Project. This integrated geothermal and lithium facility aims to supply sustainable lithium for half a million electric vehicles annually.
- Final permit secured for Lithium Extraction Plant in Landau
- All major construction permits for Phase One now in place
- Integrated geothermal and lithium extraction plant to produce renewable energy and lithium hydroxide
- Phase One targets 24,000 tonnes lithium hydroxide annually, enough for ~500,000 EVs
- Project is carbon neutral and uses proprietary VULSORB® technology
A Milestone for Sustainable Lithium Production
Vulcan Energy has taken a significant step forward by securing the permit to construct its Lithium Extraction Plant (LEP) as part of the Phase One Lionheart Project in Landau, Germany. This approval completes the suite of major construction permits required for the initial phase, enabling Vulcan to advance its vision of producing battery-quality lithium hydroxide from geothermal brine in a carbon-neutral process.
Integrated Geothermal and Lithium Extraction
The Lionheart Project is unique in its integration of geothermal energy production with lithium extraction. The LEP will be built adjacent to a 30MW geothermal power plant, already permitted earlier this year, and will leverage Vulcan’s proprietary VULSORB® adsorbent technology to extract lithium from cooled geothermal brine. This closed-loop system efficiently recycles water and reinjects lithium-depleted brine back into the reservoir, ensuring sustainability and minimal environmental impact.
Supporting Europe’s EV Ambitions
With an annual production target of 24,000 tonnes of lithium hydroxide, the Phase One facility aims to supply enough lithium for approximately 500,000 electric vehicles. This domestic, low-carbon source of lithium is poised to reduce Europe’s reliance on imported critical raw materials, aligning with the EU’s strategic goals for battery and automotive industries. The lithium chloride solution produced at the LEP will be transported to a downstream Central Lithium Plant in Frankfurt, which also recently secured its building permit.
Financing and Future Development
Vulcan is targeting finalisation of Phase One financing in the fourth quarter of 2025, a critical step before construction can fully commence. The modular design of the integrated geothermal and lithium extraction plant allows for phased expansion across the Upper Rhine Valley Brine Field, positioning Vulcan to scale operations in response to growing demand for sustainable lithium.
A Carbon-Neutral Future for Battery Materials
CEO Cris Moreno highlighted the project’s environmental credentials, emphasizing its carbon-neutral lifecycle and zero fossil fuel use. By harnessing geothermal heat and advanced extraction technology, Vulcan is pioneering a new model for lithium production that could reshape supply chains and support the transition to clean energy vehicles.
Bottom Line?
With permits secured, Vulcan is poised to transform European lithium supply; now all eyes turn to financing and construction progress.
Questions in the middle?
- How soon will Vulcan finalise Phase One financing and begin construction?
- What are the projected costs and timelines for the full build-out of the Lionheart Project?
- How will evolving EV battery chemistries impact demand for Vulcan’s lithium products?
