Vulcan Energy Resources Limited (ASX: VUL) has officially moved into the civil construction phase at its Zero Carbon Lithium (Lionheart) project in Landau, Germany. This milestone follows the successful completion of bulk earthworks and sets the stage for the physical development of the company’s 30MW geothermal power plant.

The site, situated within the Messegelände Südost industrial park, will eventually function as an integrated facility combining geothermal energy production with lithium extraction. Current work involves the preparation and construction of foundational structures, concrete works for buildings, and the development of supporting road infrastructure.

"We are delighted to move beyond preparatory bulk earthworks and into civil construction activities at our Lionheart geothermal power plant, an integral part of the Lionheart integrated lithium and geothermal project." — Cris Moreno, Managing Director and CEO

The project represents a significant industrial undertaking for the Upper Rhine Valley, targeting an annual production capacity of 24,000 tonnes of lithium hydroxide monohydrate. Alongside lithium production, the plant is designed to generate 275 GWh of renewable power and 560 GWh of heat annually for local use. These outputs are facilitated by an interconnected network of pipelines and cables that link the lithium brine processing components to the energy generation wells.

This latest update reflects a steady progression in the site’s development schedule. The company previously completed bulk earthworks on 23 April 2026, and the transition to civil work in late July confirms that project execution remains aligned with the established development timeline.

Looking ahead, the project is structured to move directly into the next phases of construction. Once the current foundational and civil works are finalized, the company expects to shift focus toward the erection of plant buildings. Following the completion of these structures, the site will prepare for the arrival and subsequent installation of process equipment, which is required for the full operational assembly of the facility.

By producing baseload geothermal heat and power on-site, Vulcan aims to insulate the lithium production process from external energy market fluctuations. The project is designed for a 30-year operational life, with the current civil works marking the transition from early-stage preparation to the primary construction phase of the site's permanent infrastructure. As activities proceed in the industrial park, the company continues to focus on meeting these key milestones to advance its goal of establishing cost-competitive, domestically sourced lithium production for the European electric vehicle battery market.

Read the full announcement: Commencement of Geothermal Power Plant Civil Construction