Vulcan Energy Secures $196 Million Deal for Geothermal Power and Lithium Production in Germany
By: Robert Buluma
In a major leap for Europe’s clean energy transition, Vulcan Energy Resources has signed a landmark $196 million (€110 million) supply contract with European firms Turboden and ROM Technik. The deal will see the development, procurement, and construction of a commercial geothermal power plant near Landau, Germany, forming a cornerstone of Vulcan’s phase one Lionheart Project.
A Game-Changer for Renewable Energy and EV Supply Chains
The contract covers the full scope of engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) on a fixed lump-sum turnkey basis, ensuring certainty in both cost and delivery.
When completed, the Lionheart geothermal facility will:
- Generate 275 gigawatt hours (GWh) of renewable power annually.
- Produce 24,000 tonnes of lithium hydroxide per year.
- Supply enough lithium for around 500,000 electric vehicles (EVs) annually.
This dual production of green power and lithium places Vulcan at the intersection of two critical markets: renewable energy and the global EV boom.
The Largest Lithium Resource in Europe
The Upper Rhine Valley Brine Field, straddling the Germany–France border, hosts Europe’s largest lithium resource. Vulcan’s Lionheart project is widely considered a tier-one lithium project globally, making it a strategic asset for both energy security and climate goals.
The signing of this contract is also a key condition for project financing, which Vulcan aims to finalize in the second half of 2025.
Strategic Partnerships with Turboden and ROM Technik
Vulcan’s CEO Cris Moreno emphasized the importance of the deal:
“The geothermal power plant is a key component of our phase one operation. Securing the services of both Turboden and ROM Technik, who are leaders in their respective fields, will underpin the construction of the geothermal power plant, and we are fully confident in their ability to execute having delivered similar projects in Germany and globally.”
This collaboration brings together Vulcan’s resource base, Turboden’s expertise in organic Rankine cycle technology, and ROM Technik’s engineering prowess, ensuring world-class execution.
Why This Matters
The Lionheart Project represents:
- Decarbonization of energy supply through geothermal power.
- Sustainable lithium production that avoids the environmental costs of traditional mining.
- A major step toward Europe’s energy independence and EV supply chain resilience.
As shares in Vulcan surged 13.9% following the announcement, it’s clear that investors, policymakers, and industry stakeholders see the project as a turning point for Europe’s clean energy
Source:Capital Brief
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