Vulcan Energy has announced it has secured the necessary approvals to begin seismic surveys for its geothermal heat development project in the Ludwigshafen region of Germany. The project is a collaboration with BASF SE, the world’s largest chemicals producer. This initiative follows an agreement signed in November 2024, aimed at developing renewable energy sources to supply BASF’s Verbund site in Ludwigshafen with baseload heat. Additionally, the partnership explores the potential construction of a commercial lithium extraction plant at BASF’s headquarters, which hosts the largest integrated chemical complex globally.
The initial phase of the project includes two-dimensional (2D) seismic survey measurements scheduled to take place from late February to early March. These surveys will cover approximately 75 kilometers of roadway within Vorderpfalz, located on the western edge of Germany’s Upper Rhine Valley Brine Field (URVBF). The survey area encompasses the towns and municipalities of Bad Dürkheim, Deidesheim, Mutterstadt, Frankenthal, and Ludwigshafen.
The outcomes of the 2D seismic surveys will be utilized to identify optimal locations for the subsequent stage of development, which will involve three-dimensional (3D) seismic surveys. Vulcan Energy will oversee the planning and coordination of both the 2D and 3D surveys. The data gathered will inform the placement of geothermal and lithium production or reinjection wells.
The project aims to harness geothermal energy from the URVBF to provide renewable heat to BASF’s primary facility. Furthermore, it seeks to establish a sustainable district heating system for the Ludwigshafen and Frankenthal regions. The initiative also involves using the extracted heated brine for the production of sustainable lithium, supporting the development of lithium-ion batteries.
Looking ahead, Vulcan Energy plans to replicate this development model across the URVBF in future phases. The goal is to build cost-effective renewable heating solutions to decarbonize the European industrial sector and public heating systems. The project aims to produce lithium alongside renewable heat by utilizing the same geothermal wells, further promoting sustainable energy solutions.
Vulcan’s Managing Director and CEO, Cris Moreno, commented: “Securing the necessary approvals for the first stage of development is an important step in further advancing our geothermal heat and lithium project in the Ludwigshafen area. Together with BASF, we will be utilising geothermal energy in such a way that ensures the area has access to a sustainable, climate-neutral energy source.
“Critically, this development reflects our broader integrated business approach, whereby we will seek to replicate this model across the URVBF through strategic partnerships with large, industrial companies like BASF. This approach not only drives sustainable energy supply in the regions but heavily contributes to Europe’s transition to green electromobility.”
BASF Senior Vice President -Infrastructure at Ludwigshafen, Tilmann Hezel, said: “This project represents one of the most important transformation projects on our site, which will potentially cover a significant proportion of our future energy requirements without the use of fossil fuels.”
Source: V-ER
