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Croatia Signs Grant Agreement to Drill Four Geothermal Heating Wells

By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms
Croatia Signs Grant Agreement to Drill Four Geothermal Wells for Urban Heating Croatia has approved a major new investment to expand the use of geothermal energy for district heating in four cities. Velika Gorica, Osijek, Vinkovci, and Zaprešić are set to receive an additional EUR 35.3 million for geothermal development, including the drilling of four new wells that could support urban heating systems by 2030.  The funding marks the second phase of a broader geothermal program designed to convert Croatia’s underground heat resources into reliable, domestic energy for homes, public buildings, businesses, agriculture, and industry. Across the two phases, the total investment in the four locations is expected to reach approximately EUR 86 million.  The project is significant because it moves Croatia’s geothermal strategy beyond exploration. The country is now preparing the infrastructure needed to create production-and-injection well pairs, establish closed geothermal systems, an...
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Vulcan Energie Ressource GmbH Wins Ruggero Bertani European Geothermal Innovation 2024

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By Robert Buluma Alphaxioms

 Revolutionizing Lithium Production: Vulcan Energie Ressource GmbH Wins the Ruggero Bertani European Geothermal Innovation Award 2024

By Robert Buluma

Offenburg, March 1, 2024 – The European Geothermal Energy Council (EGEC) proudly announces Vulcan Energie Ressourcen GmbH as the recipient of the esteemed Ruggero Bertani European Geothermal Innovation Award 2024. This accolade celebrates Vulcan Energie Ressourcen GmbH's groundbreaking project, the Lithium Extraction Optimization Plant (LEOP), a revolutionary endeavor set to transform sustainable lithium production in Europe.


Introducing LEOP: A Game-Changer in Lithium Extraction


LEOP represents a pioneering initiative, heralding the inaugural production unit to extract lithium from geothermal sources in an eco-friendly manner. Operational since 2023, this innovative plant, situated in Europe, achieves an impressive Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 7/8. With an annual output of 40 tons of green lithium hydroxide, LEOP has the capacity to fuel the creation of approximately 850 electric car batteries annually, thus catalyzing the transition towards greener transportation alternatives.


Beyond its production capabilities, LEOP boasts a climate-neutral footprint, offering substantial environmental advantages over conventional production methods. Moreover, its strategic utilization of geothermal energy not only facilitates lithium extraction but also generates additional revenue streams by supplying energy to customers through electricity generation and heating solutions.


Acknowledging Innovation and Sustainability


Horst Kreuter, Managing Director of Vulcan Energie Ressourcen GmbH, expressed his delight at receiving the Ruggero Bertani European Geothermal Innovation Award 2024, emphasizing its significance in recognizing the company's journey towards establishing Europe's first green lithium production. Kreuter highlighted the commercial potential of LEOP and expressed enthusiasm for its future prospects.


The Upper Rhine Graben, renowned for its abundant geothermal lithium reservoirs, serves as the foundation for LEOP's innovative approach. By employing a sophisticated absorption process known as Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE), Vulcan Energie Ressourcen GmbH maximizes resource utilization while minimizing environmental impact, marking a significant milestone in sustainable resource management.

A Testament to Collaborative Progress


Miklos Antics, President of EGEC, commended Vulcan Energie Ressourcen GmbH for its remarkable achievement, underscoring the spirit of collaboration and ingenuity driving progress in geothermal endeavors across Europe. The 2024 award reflects a paradigm shift, demonstrating the potential of geothermal fluids to extract critical raw materials sustainably and locally.


In conclusion, Vulcan Energie Ressourcen GmbH's LEOP project epitomizes innovation, sustainability, and the transformative power of geothermal energy. EGEC extends its heartfelt congratulations to Vulcan Energie Ressourcen GmbH and eagerly anticipates further advancements in geothermal sustainable energy innovations.

About EGEC – European Geothermal Energy Council

This article  has other Contestants For Ruggero Bertani 2024

The European Geothermal Energy Council (EGEC) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting all facets of the geothermal industry. With over 200 members from 30 countries, EGEC plays a pivotal role in shaping policy, improving investment conditions, and fostering research to expand geothermal applications across Europe.

Source: Alphaxioms

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