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Vulcan Energy's First European Lithium Plant Opens

Vulcan Energy opens Europe's first lithium production facility in Frankfurt, utilizing a sustainable, cost-effective process to extract lithium from geothermal water.

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German

Germany

TechnologyClimate ChangeEnergy SecuritySustainabilityRenewable EnergyManufacturingLithium

Vulcan Energy

Christian Tragut

What are the three business models operated by Vulcan Energy?: Vulcan Energy operates three business models: geothermal energy production, lithium extraction, and lithium hydroxide refinement. The geothermal energy is a byproduct of the lithium extraction process, making it a sustainable operation.
Who are the main customers for the lithium produced by Vulcan Energy?: The lithium produced is intended for use in batteries and electric vehicles. All of the current production is already sold, showcasing high demand for the sustainably sourced material.
Describe the innovative process used by Vulcan Energy to extract lithium.: The company's process involves using an electrolyzer to separate lithium hydroxide monohydrate from a solution of water and lithium chloride. This innovative technique is not used by any other company worldwide, resulting in high-purity lithium.
What is significant about Vulcan Energy's new lithium production facility in Frankfurt?: Vulcan Energy has opened a lithium production facility in Frankfurt, Germany, marking the first of its kind in Europe. The facility uses a unique process to extract lithium from geothermal water, making it more sustainable and cost-effective than traditional methods.
What is the production capacity of the Frankfurt facility, and what are the plans for future expansion?: The Frankfurt facility is a research plant with a capacity of up to 50 tons per year. A larger commercial plant with a capacity of 24,000 tons per year is planned to open in 2027 in the Höchst industrial park.

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