MINEX Forum

Tag: Green Lithium

  • BASF and Vulcan Partner to Harness Geothermal Energy and Produce Green Lithium

    BASF and Vulcan Partner to Harness Geothermal Energy and Produce Green Lithium

    BASF and Vulcan Energie Ressourcen GmbH have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore the use of geothermal energy at BASF’s Ludwigshafen site, aiming to provide CO2-free steam and support energy transformation efforts in the Rhine-Neckar Metropolitan Region. The agreement was signed in the presence of Daniela Schmitt, Rhineland-Palatinate’s Minister of Economic Affairs, Transport, Agriculture, and Viniculture.

    The project will tap into deep geothermal energy from the Upper Rhine Graben, which has significant potential for renewable energy. If successful, it could produce up to 300 MW of thermal energy, generating 4 million tons of steam annually and cutting 800,000 tons of CO2 emissions at BASF’s largest site. This renewable heat could also benefit nearby urban centers, such as Ludwigshafen and Frankenthal, for district heating.

    Additionally, Vulcan plans to build a lithium extraction plant at Ludwigshafen, leveraging the geothermal brine to produce sustainable lithium-ion batteries for industries like automotive and electronics. The collaboration highlights innovative integration of renewable energy and resource extraction technologies.

    “This project showcases the transformative potential of deep geothermal energy for industrial sites, cities, and entire regions,” said Uwe Liebelt, President of European Verbund Sites at BASF. He emphasized the importance of partnerships between the public and private sectors to drive the energy transition. Vulcan’s Thorsten Weimann and Cris Morenoechoed the environmental and economic benefits of combining geothermal energy with lithium production.

    Exploratory seismic surveys in the Upper Rhine Graben are set to begin in early 2025, led by Vulcan, to assess geothermal conditions and refine technical plans.

  • Green Lithium Partners with Rio Tinto to Develop a Low-Carbon Lithium Supply Chain

    Green Lithium Partners with Rio Tinto to Develop a Low-Carbon Lithium Supply Chain

    In a significant move towards advancing the European battery metals industry, Green Lithium, a UK-based developer of low-carbon lithium refineries, has signed a memorandum of understanding with global metals giant Rio Tinto. The collaboration aims to establish a commercial partnership to build a secure and sustainable lithium supply chain, ensuring the stability of the UK’s and EU’s automotive and battery manufacturing sectors.

    The partnership is set to play a crucial role in the rapidly evolving European battery metals value chain. Both companies share a common vision of creating an end-to-end supply chain that will not only bolster production but also support decarbonization efforts across the continent. The agreement underscores the importance of safeguarding supply to meet the growing demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and sustainable energy storage solutions.

    Sean Sargent, CEO of Green Lithium, emphasized the environmental impact of the partnership, stating, “The EV and battery revolutions are essential in reducing carbon emissions. By building our refineries, we aim to accelerate the shift towards EVs and sustainable energy storage through increased production of low-carbon, battery-grade lithium chemicals. This ambitious vision requires the right partners, and in Rio Tinto, we’ve found an exceptional potential collaborator.”

    The agreement is a key milestone in Rio Tinto’s strategy for unlocking the battery metals supply chain in Europe. Philippe Bourdages, Vice President of Minerals Sales at Rio Tinto, noted the shared ambitions with Green Lithium, adding that the partnership will help meet the European market’s growing demand for green battery technology.

    The UK government has welcomed the news, with Sarah Jones MP, Minister for Industry and Decarbonisation, stating, “This partnership will not only create high-skilled jobs in the North East but also strengthen our critical minerals supply chains as we continue working towards a cleaner, greener future and our net-zero goals.”