Vulcan Energy has reported strong production test results from its LSC-1b sidetrack well, reinforcing the viability of its Phase One Lionheart lithium project in Germany. The well’s performance supports the project’s ambitious lithium and renewable energy production targets.
- LSC-1b well delivers production potential between 105 to 125 litres per second
- Phase One Lionheart project targets 24,000 tonnes of lithium hydroxide annually
- Project financing secured in December 2025, construction underway
- Renewable power and heat co-production planned alongside lithium extraction
- Further drilling and testing scheduled to validate production assumptions
Strong Production Test Validates Lionheart Development
Vulcan Energy Resources has announced successful production testing from its LSC-1b sidetrack well, part of the Phase One Lionheart Project in Germany’s Upper Rhine Valley Brine Field. The test confirmed strong well deliverability, with flow rates reaching between 105 and 125 litres per second, exceeding the average well production assumptions of 84 to 94 litres per second outlined in the Field Development Plan.
This milestone follows earlier positive geological and lithium-in-brine results reported in November 2025, now complemented by verified production capacity. The test was conducted safely and efficiently, with Vulcan’s drilling subsidiary Vercana delivering the well ahead of schedule and without health, safety, or environmental incidents.
Backing Ambitious Lithium and Renewable Energy Targets
The Lionheart Project aims to produce 24,000 tonnes per annum of lithium hydroxide monohydrate, sufficient to supply around 500,000 electric vehicle batteries annually. Alongside lithium extraction, the project will co-produce 275 GWh of renewable electricity and 560 GWh of heat per year, supporting local energy needs with a low-carbon footprint over an estimated 30-year lifespan.
With project financing secured in December 2025, Vulcan has commenced construction of integrated lithium and renewable energy facilities. The strong production test results reduce execution risk and provide enhanced confidence in meeting these targets.
Technical and Operational Insights
The LSC-1b well was directionally drilled to intersect the Buntsandstein reservoir and associated fault zones, which are key to accessing lithium-rich geothermal brines. The production test employed nitrogen-assisted lift to simulate drawdown conditions, confirming a productivity index between 2.1 and 2.5 litres per second per bar of pressure, a robust indicator of reservoir quality and well performance.
These results align with previous confirmations of lithium grade, temperature, and reservoir permeability, underscoring the geological consistency of the Lionheart resource. Vulcan plans to mobilise a second drilling rig in the second half of 2026 to continue development drilling and well testing, further refining production forecasts.
Strategic Implications for European Battery Supply
Vulcan’s Managing Director Cris Moreno highlighted the significance of these results in de-risking the project and delivering a sustainable, low-cost lithium source for Europe’s electric vehicle industry. The Lionheart Project’s integration of lithium production with renewable energy generation positions it uniquely in the market, addressing both supply chain security and environmental sustainability.
As the project advances toward first commercial lithium production targeted for 2028, investors and industry watchers will be keen to monitor ongoing drilling outcomes and construction progress.
Bottom Line?
Vulcan’s latest well test success marks a pivotal step toward delivering Europe’s sustainable lithium supply, with further drilling set to confirm long-term production potential.
Questions in the middle?
- Will sustained production rates match the promising short-term test results?
- How will construction timelines align with evolving lithium market demand?
- What impact will the co-produced renewable energy have on local energy markets?