Delegation Visit to Explore Lithium Extraction Innovations in Germany

From 3rd to 5th September 2024, a Turkish delegation visited Landau in der Pfalz and the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) in Germany. The visit focused on exploring innovative methods of extracting lithium - an essential resource for battery production and the global energy transition - from deep geothermal waters. This exchange was part of ongoing collaboration within the Working Group for Renewable Energy, Energy Infrastructure, and Sector Coupling, with an emphasis on sustainable and climate-friendly lithium extraction.

The delegation was made up of representatives from the Turkish government, business sectors, and academia. The first part of their visit took place at the premises of EnergieSüdwest AG in Landau, where they were introduced to the company’s role in supplying electricity, gas, heat, and charging infrastructure to the local region. Presentations provided insights into a wide range of topics including their facilities, municipal heat planning processes, and how local citizens have responded to the presence of geothermal sites.

Following this, the hosts from Germany heard from several key players in Türkiye’s geothermal energy sector. Representatives from the Turkish Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, the Geothermal Power Plant Investors Association, the Izmir Institute of Technology, and Afyon Kocatepe University discussed the geothermal landscape in Türkiye. The focus was on Western Anatolia, home to 78% of Turkey’s geothermal potential, with particular attention to regions like Ömer-Gecek in Afyonkarahisar and Balçova-Narlıdere in Izmir.

The presentations culminated in a discussion led by Vulcan Energy Resources on the opportunities and challenges associated with extracting lithium from geothermal brine. Vulcan operates Europe’s largest lithium resource and has plans to sell the world’s first green lithium, extracted directly from geothermal brine in Landau.

After the presentations, the delegation toured Vulcan’s Geothermal Pilot Power Plant in Insheim, as well as the lithium extraction site in Landau, where they had the chance to see these technologies in action. This hands-on experience allowed for an in-depth exchange on the technical processes involved in lithium extraction with experts on-site.

On the final day, the Turkish delegation visited the geothermal laboratories at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). Here, they engaged with scientists working on advanced solutions for lithium extraction from brine and got an up-close look at KIT’s research facilities.

The visit not only fostered knowledge exchange but also laid the groundwork for future cooperation on this important and exciting topic. A special thanks to EnergieSüdwest, Vulcan, and KIT for hosting the delegation, and to all participants for their time and valuable contributions.