Ion Pump Environmentally Friendly Lithium Production In Germany

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An innovative ion pump should make it possible to extract lithium from thermal brine in Germany in an environmentally friendly way. Geothermal sources in the Upper Rhine Rift Valley would be used.

Experts agree: no energy transition without lithium. Demand for this key raw material is likely to increase six-fold by 2030. However, Germany and Europe are heavily dependent on imports from Australia, South America and China. Lithium extraction from geothermal sources in the Upper Rhine Graben, one of the most promising regions for this technology, offers a climate-friendly alternative. This offers the opportunity to strengthen Germany's energy independence and significantly reduce environmental pollution.

Status quo of lithium extraction

Conventional lithium mining from hard rock or salt lakes causes considerable CO₂ emissions, requires large quantities of water and causes considerable damage to the environment. Mining from salt lakes is particularly problematic in South America, where water consumption in already arid regions has serious consequences for the environment and local communities. Transporting the mined lithium halfway around the world also contributes to the carbon footprint.

On the other hand, geothermal lithium extraction offers a sustainable and regional alternative. This involves extracting lithium-containing thermal water from great depths (three to five kilometers), extracting the lithium and returning the brine - without destroying the landscape or lowering the groundwater level.

The "Thermion" project: sustainable lithium extraction

The German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection is therefore funding the "Thermion" project. Several partners from science and industry are working on a technology for environmentally friendly lithium extraction from geothermal sources, under the leadership of the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE: a specially developed ion pump extracts lithium directly from the thermal brine in a highly selective manner, which is then returned to the natural cycle almost unchanged. This conserves water resources and avoids unwanted chemical residues. A key advantage is the integration into existing geothermal plants that already supply electricity and heat - a dual use that can significantly increase economic efficiency and profitability.

The aim of the project is the scientific evaluation of the lithium deposits in the Upper Rhine Graben and the development of an efficient and sustainable extraction technology. The ion pump (EIP) operates directly in the thermal circuit at 15 to 20 bar and 70 °C. Targeted pre-treatment minimizes deposits and comprehensive geohydrological investigations are intended to ensure long-term economic viability. A demonstrator is intended to illustrate the entire process - from brine extraction to extraction and return - in a practical manner.

In the long term, other raw materials such as cesium, rubidium and cobalt could also be extracted in addition to lithium. The three-year project is being funded with 2.6 million euros and could set a milestone for the sustainable supply of raw materials in Germany.

Challenges and opportunities for Germany as a business location

The lithium resources in the Upper Rhine Graben could reduce Germany's dependence on imports and strengthen European battery production at the same time. This would not only support Germany as a business location, but also make an important contribution to the EU's strategic supply of raw materials.

However, in order to fully exploit this potential, technological developments are required to enable competitive lithium prices. Faster approval procedures for geothermal projects are also needed so that the technology can be scaled up quickly. The Geothermal Acceleration Act discussed by the traffic light government is a positive first step in this regard and should be passed by the new federal government as soon as possible.

A decisive factor is social acceptance, which should be promoted through transparent communication and close involvement of the population. Only if these aspects are taken into account can geothermal lithium extraction become a viable pillar of the sustainable supply of raw materials in Germany.

The future of lithium production in Germany

With innovative technological developments such as those envisaged in the Thermion project, Germany can become a pioneer in sustainable lithium production. The combination of renewable energy generation and raw material extraction creates a win-win situation for the economy, the environment and society. (dm)