en.Wedoany.com Reported - Vulcan Energy has officially broken ground on its Central Lithium Plant in Frankfurt, Germany. The facility, part of its "Project Lionheart," will utilize the NORSCAND® electrolysis technology from Canadian clean technology company NESI to convert lithium chloride into battery-grade lithium hydroxide monohydrate (LHM) for electric vehicle battery manufacturing. The project targets an annual production of 24,000 tonnes of LHM, sufficient to meet the battery demands of approximately 500,000 electric vehicles per year. Hesse Minister-President Boris Rhein, Frankfurt Mayor Mike Josef, and other government, financial, and industry representatives attended the groundbreaking ceremony.
The Central Lithium Plant will serve as the downstream processing facility for Vulcan Energy's integrated lithium and renewable energy business, combining lithium extraction from geothermal brine with electrolytic conversion processes to produce battery-grade materials. "Project Lionheart" is positioned as a key initiative for Europe to secure a local lithium supply for electric vehicle and battery manufacturing. Vulcan Energy Managing Director and CEO Cris Moreno stated that the partnership with NESI ensures operations achieve high-purity, low-impact output, aiming to create the world's first integrated sustainable lithium and renewable energy business.
NESI President and CEO Jeremy Moulson said the groundbreaking represents a significant validation of NESI's role in clean electrochemical infrastructure for battery materials. By integrating NORSCAND® technology into "Project Lionheart," a cleaner, electrified approach to lithium refining is being advanced on a commercial scale. The project strengthens German-Canadian cooperation, placing NESI technology at the heart of Europe's lithium and battery materials build-out.
Following a final investment decision in December 2025 and the completion of €2.2 billion in financing, Vulcan Energy announced that major construction work on the Central Lithium Plant has now commenced. Commercial production is targeted for the second half of 2028. NESI's involvement in the project is based on decades of electrochemical engineering experience, solidifying its position as a technology provider for low-carbon critical mineral processing and battery material production.
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