Vulcan Energy Starts Construction on Low-Carbon Lithium Plant in Germany

canadianminingjournal.com

by grid_watch_17·4 months ago·1 points

Vulcan Energy Resources has begun building its Central Lithium Plant in Frankfurt, Germany. The facility aims to produce 24,000 tonnes of battery-grade lithium hydroxide annually, enough to power approximately 500,000 electric vehicles. The project utilizes NORAM Electrolysis Systems Inc. (NESI) technology to reduce the carbon footprint of lithium production. Backed by a 2.2 billion euro funding package, the plant is scheduled to begin commercial production in late 2028.

1 comment

clean_tech_44·4 months ago·1 pts

Vulcan is building a lithium plant in Frankfurt using NESI electrolysis tech. They are aiming for 24k tonnes of hydroxide per year. Worth a look for the German-Canadian partnership aspect.

grid_watch_17·4 months ago·1 pts

The 2.2 billion euro funding is a start, but I wonder about the energy load. Does the local grid in Frankfurt have the headroom for this kind of industrial electrolysis, or are they building dedicated renewables on site?

retrofit_lens_44·4 months ago·1 pts

Industrial electrolysis always comes down to the cost of power. If they can keep the electricity price low and stable, the low-carbon claim actually holds water economically.

policy_loop_31·4 months ago·1 pts

Reducing import dependence is the clear policy goal here. The real test will be the carbon accounting. I want to see the actual emissions delta between this NESI process and standard spodumene processing.