German public broadcaster visits Vulcan

Germany’s second largest public broadcaster SWR has very recently visited the Vulcan Energy site for a detailed look at DLE progress and the company’s plans to deliver geothermal energy heating solutions. It has now broadcast its in-depth report which gives a very good sense for just how significant and advanced Vulcan’s planning & progress is, and the level of public attention the company is now garnering from across Germany. It also canvases the pockets of resistance from those who are opposed to geothermal drilling and Li extraction.

The documentary looks at the opportunities and risks, and talks to people from all sides of the debate including geologists and those with fears over earthquakes.

We get to see inside the lab, some drill sites and even the Vulcan local community outreach teams who are mobilized to provide information and a point of contact to residents with concerns.

Great viewing! Unfortunately no subtitles yet for non-German speakers but keep your eyes peeled as they are sure to come online soon:



Lithium hype on the Rhine: opportunity or risk?

Description (translated):

Deep geothermal energy is to be used in the Upper Rhine Graben in southwest Germany to mine lithium. Deep underground, the coveted raw material is dissolved in large quantities in the thermal water. While local residents are worried about earthquakes caused by deep geothermal energy, others are hoping for a breakthrough in clean, renewable energy and one of the most important raw materials for the energy transition.

Lithium is indispensable for batteries and is currently often mined abroad using traditionally polluting methods. German lithium production should make the economy independent of foreign deliveries and even CO2-neutral thanks to the environmentally friendly electricity and heat obtained from geothermal energy.

However, deep geothermal energy projects have in the past led to earthquakes and, as a result, to cracks in numerous houses in the region. Because house insurance often only covers a fraction of the damage, many of those affected were left with a large part of the costs, thus there is resistance from some in the region against deep geothermal energy and lithium production.