Vulcan Energy has commenced installation of the first section of the interconnected pipeline and power (ICPP) infrastructure for its flagship Lionheart Project in Germany’s Upper Rhine Valley, marking a significant milestone in the development of an integrated geothermal energy and lithium production network.

The first pipeline section will connect the company’s existing geothermal power plant in Insheim with its Schleidberg well site, forming the initial phase of a broader infrastructure network designed to transport geothermal brine and industrial water between production wells and processing facilities.

The ICPP will comprise an extensive network of pipelines and power infrastructure that underpins the Lionheart Project’s integrated geothermal and lithium extraction operations. The system is designed to enable the efficient movement of geothermal brine while supporting both renewable energy generation and lithium production.

Construction of the integrated geothermal and lithium extraction plant is currently underway. Once operational, the facility will produce renewable geothermal energy alongside lithium chloride extracted from hot geothermal brine. The pipeline network will also supply renewable heat to the neighbouring City of Landau, supporting regional decarbonisation efforts.

Prior to the start of construction, Vulcan Energy completed extensive route planning and project preparation, including detailed engineering studies, environmental assessments, and consultations with local stakeholders along the proposed pipeline corridor.

Although the installation marks the first of many planned pipeline sections, it represents a major step in establishing the infrastructure required to support long-term geothermal energy production and lithium processing. The project also highlights the increasingly important role of specialised pipeline networks in enabling Europe’s energy transition and strengthening the supply chain for critical raw materials.

For more information visit www.v-er.eu