Lionheart aims to produce 24,000 tons of lithium hydroxide monohydrate per year—enough to supply battery material for around 500,000 electric vehicles—while generating renewable heat and power using a geothermal system. The project is located across multiple sites, including a Lithium Extraction Plant in Landau and a Central Lithium Plant at Industriepark Höchst in Frankfurt.
ABB’s scope spans high- and medium-voltage equipment, low-voltage MNS switchgear, transformers, UPS systems, protection gear, and industrial drives. These are designed to provide efficient and reliable power distribution across extraction, processing, and ancillary operations. The deployment will support Vulcan’s plan to deliver battery-grade lithium with a reduced carbon footprint, aligning with EU goals for localized, sustainable supply chains.
The ABB contract follows Vulcan Energy’s announcement of a $2.56 billion financing package, positioning Lionheart as a key asset in Europe's drive to secure domestic sources of battery raw materials. Global demand for lithium is rising, and Europe’s automakers are under pressure to source materials with lower environmental impact. Lionheart addresses both imperatives by integrating clean energy and resource production into a single industrial process.
Vulcan and ABB had previously signed an MoU in April 2024 to align on design and procurement strategies, aimed at reducing risk and improving delivery performance. That collaboration has now evolved into a full-scope project delivery partnership.
Final financial close for Lionheart’s broader funding package is anticipated in Q4 2025, making ABB’s role in early-stage execution critical to maintaining the project timeline. Once operational, Lionheart would become Europe’s first integrated geothermal-powered lithium production facility, setting a precedent for electrified, low-carbon industrial infrastructure.
