Vulcan Energy Resources (ASX: VUL) has made significant progress in developing its carbon-neutral lithium and renewable energy project in Mannheim, Germany. Recent 3D seismic survey results have led to a 76% increase in the lithium brine resource estimate for the Mannheim project. The updated estimate now stands at 3,225 kilotonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE), up from the previous estimate of 1,833 kilotonnes, with a magnesium-lithium ratio of 155 mg/Li compared to 153 mg/Li previously.
In addition to the lithium resource update, Vulcan has completed its first geothermal energy resource estimate for the Mannheim license area, part of the Upper Rhine Valley Brine Field (URVBF). The estimated geothermal resource is substantial, with an indicated figure of 2,848 petajoules and an inferred figure of 10,539 petajoules. Of these, Vulcan identifies 171 petajoules as recoverable from the indicated category and 377 petajoules from the inferred category.
Vulcan aims to supply baseload geothermal heat from the Mannheim resource to the district heating network operated by MVV Energie AG, a prominent German energy company. This dual approach allows Vulcan to extract lithium sustainably for electric vehicle battery production while providing renewable energy to local infrastructures.
CEO Cris Moreno emphasized the importance of the URVBF, stating that it is the largest lithium resource in Europe and one of the highest-quality brine geothermal resources, making it a critical asset for energy and raw material security in the region. Vulcan’s developments in Mannheim represent a strategic advancement for integrated lithium and renewable energy projects, paving the way for future phases in this promising area bordering Germany and France.
