AFBA Corporate Member Vulcan Energy Resources has achieved a significant milestone with its integrated lithium project being designated as a Strategic Project under the European Union’s Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA). This prestigious recognition underscores the project’s vital role in bolstering Europe’s supply of essential raw materials, particularly lithium, which is crucial for electric vehicle (EV) batteries.
Vulcan’s Zero Carbon Lithium™ Project, situated in Germany’s Upper Rhine Valley, employs an innovative approach by harnessing geothermal energy to extract lithium from underground brine reservoirs. This method not only yields battery-grade lithium hydroxide but also generates renewable energy, ensuring a sustainable and carbon-neutral production process.
The EU’s acknowledgment of Vulcan’s project as a Strategic Project amplifies momentum toward establishing Europe’s first fully domestic lithium production facility for EV batteries. This development is pivotal in reducing the continent’s reliance on imported lithium, thereby enhancing energy security and supporting the EU’s ambitious goal of transitioning to 100% electric vehicle sales by 2035.
Vulcan has already made significant strides, including producing Europe’s first sustainable lithium hydroxide at its Central Lithium Electrolysis Optimization Plant (CLEOP) in Frankfurt. This achievement marks a critical step toward a fully integrated, sustainable lithium supply chain within Europe.
Furthermore, Vulcan has secured lithium and geothermal energy licenses in France’s Alsace region, expanding its operations and reinforcing its commitment to supporting Europe’s EV transition and decarbonising local industries.
The Strategic Project designation under the CRMA not only validates Vulcan’s innovative approach but also positions Europe at the forefront of sustainable lithium production, essential for the burgeoning EV market and the continent’s broader climate objectives.
Vulcan Energy Resources is an Australian-based company, listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX: VUL). While its flagship Zero Carbon Lithium™ project is located in Germany’s Upper Rhine Valley, the company was founded in Australia and maintains its corporate headquarters there.
The company was established by Dr. Francis Wedin, an Australian geologist and entrepreneur, and it has strong Australian ties in terms of its leadership, technical expertise, and investor base. Vulcan Energy leverages Australian innovation in the mining and resources sector to develop its sustainable lithium extraction technology, aimed at supporting Europe’s electric vehicle (EV) battery industry.
Learn more about Vulcan Energy Resources at their website.
