Vulcan Energy has initiated execution activities for its integrated Phase One renewable energy and lithium project by mobilizing its V20 drilling rig to the Phase One Schleidberg well site near Landau, Germany.
The Phase One Lionheart Project aims to produce approximately 24,000 tonnes annually of lithium hydroxide monohydrate for electric vehicle batteries, in addition to generating renewable heating and power from lithium-rich brines in the Upper Rhine Valley Brine Field. A critical component of Phase One involves increasing brine production from deep wells to supplement Vulcan’s existing output.
Key developments include successfully completing essential infrastructure works such as well pad construction, crew camp setup, and access road development. Subsequently, Vulcan’s in-house geothermal well execution company, Vercana, commenced the mobilization of the electric V20 rig. The V20 is a robust 2,500-horsepower drilling rig with a 550-tonne hook load capacity and is equipped with a 7,500 psi fluid pressure system.
The Special Operations Plan and transport permits for the V20 rig received approval from the Mining Authority in the fourth quarter of 2024, with additional permits granted for specific rig components. During mobilization, increased transport activity is expected as equipment and project components are delivered to the site. Vulcan has proactively engaged with local stakeholders to ensure smooth operations and minimize community disruptions.
After the assembly of the rig, routine commissioning procedures and technical testing will be conducted to ensure the safe operation of the V20 and its associated equipment. Well-execution operations are slated to begin in the second quarter of 2025, contingent upon the successful commissioning of the rig. Additionally, Vercana’s electric drilling rig, V10, is planned to be mobilized to Vulcan’s new Trappelberg well site following the closure of Phase One financing.
Cris Moreno, Managing Director and CEO of Vulcan Energy stated, “The mobilisation of the V20 drilling rig is not only an important milestone for our Phase One Lionheart Project, but in Vulcan’s mission to establish a sustainable, European-based lithium supply chain. With two fully refurbished, state-of-the-art rigs and hugely experienced team, Vercana is well positioned to safely deliver new geothermal and lithium production and injection wells for many years to come in Central Europe, delivering both baseload renewable heating and lithium production for electric vehicle batteries. We are entering the next phase of development with a strong focus on safety, execution quality, operational excellence, and will need to have close collaboration with all key partners and stakeholders to assist us to achieve this goal. We look forward to keeping our shareholders and investors informed as we further progress towards the commencement of drilling in the coming months. As lithium demand continues to grow, reducing Europe’s dependence on imported raw materials is critical. By developing a fully integrated, sustainable lithium supply chain, Vulcan will be a key contributor to Europe’s energy and mobility transition.”
Source: V-Er
