Siemens and Vulcan Energy have entered a framework agreement to advance Europe’s first fully integrated lithium and renewable energy project in Germany’s Upper Rhine Valley. Under the terms of the agreement, Siemens will act as the preferred automation and digitalization technology supplier for Vulcan Energy’s Lionheart Project until 2035, with the option to extend this partnership into future development phases.
The Lionheart Project aims to produce 24,000 metric tons of lithium hydroxide monohydrate per year—sufficient for approximately 500,000 electric vehicle batteries—while delivering 275 GWh of renewable electricity and 560 GWh of heat annually for local consumers. Siemens technologies will underpin operations across the entire value chain, from resource extraction to end-product manufacturing, through solutions drawn from the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio. These include advanced instrumentation, distributed control systems, digital twin platforms, industrial networking, cyber-security measures and analytics tools, as well as smart building infrastructure.
In addition to providing core technology, Siemens Financial Services will make a strategic investment in the Lionheart Project, joining a consortium of investors that includes HOCHTIEF and Demea Sustainable Investment. Siemens Financial Services also introduced the Export and Investment Fund of Denmark into the project’s debt financing group, further demonstrating long-term commitment to sustainable lithium supply in Europe.
The integrated approach will enable Vulcan Energy to manage a multi-site operation across the Upper Rhine Valley and the Frankfurt region, enhancing efficiency and sustainability. The project aligns with the European Union’s Critical Raw Materials Act by supporting resource independence and strengthening the electric mobility supply chain. Classified as a Strategic Project under EU regulations, Lionheart is expected to play a key role in expanding Europe’s domestic lithium production and advancing the region’s transition to a low-carbon energy system.
Source: Siemens
