Next phases

Design one, build many. Lionheart is only the beginning.

Future phases of production represent our long-term vision to build one of Europe’s largest integrated lithium and geothermal renewable energy businesses across the Upper Rhine Valley Brine Field.

Building on the foundations established through Lionheart, these future developments are designed to expand production capacity, strengthen Europe’s domestic critical minerals supply chain and increase the availability of renewable energy for local industries and communities.

Situated within one of Europe’s most prospective lithium-rich geothermal regions, future phases have the potential to leverage the infrastructure, technology, operational expertise and commercial relationships developed through Lionheart, creating a scalable platform for long-term growth.

Beyond Lionheart

Unlike many lithium developments that are based around a single orebody or production asset, our strategy is built on creating a multi-decade development within the Upper Rhine Valley.

Future production phases are expected to utilise the same core foundations that underpin Lionheart, including geothermal energy, lithium extraction technology, established infrastructure corridors and downstream processing expertise. This approach enables Vulcan to pursue growth opportunities while benefiting from the knowledge and efficiencies gained through earlier developments.

Proven lithium extraction technology and operational know-how

Established drilling and subsurface expertise

Existing knowledge of reservoir development and geothermal operations

Relationships with customers, strategic partners and financing institutions

A growing integrated renewable energy and battery materials platform.

One foundation. Multiple phases. Decades of opportunity.

A pipeline for tomorrow

The global energy transition requires more than a single project. It requires long-term, scalable solutions capable of delivering secure, sustainable and reliable supplies of both critical minerals and renewable energy.

Our next phases of production represent an opportunity to extend the success of Lionheart across the Upper Rhine Valley and create a lasting platform for growth. We aim to build a portfolio of projects that support Europe's transition to a more resilient and sustainable future.

Project Ludwig

Project Ludwig is the next phase in our strategy to develop a world-class lithium and renewable energy resource in Germany’s Upper Rhine Valley Brine Field. Located approximately 60 km north of Project Lionheart, Ludwig builds on the technology, expertise and development blueprint established through Lionheart, demonstrating the potential to replicate and improve Vulcan’s integrated model across future phases. The project is planned to produce 21,100 tonnes of battery-grade lithium carbonate and 3,125 GWh of renewable heat annually, while targeting capital intensity around 15% lower than Lionheart.

The significance of Ludwig extends beyond the project itself. Its Preliminary Feasibility Study demonstrates how the investment and capabilities developed through Lionheart can provide a platform for multiple future developments across the Upper Rhine Valley Brine Field, supporting our long-term ambition to scale domestic lithium production and renewable energy supply in Europe.

Explore the detail behind our growth plan

Access process documents, reports and resources relating to Lionheart and Vulcan's future phases.

Explore Resource