Deployed by Arverne in Alsace, the Lithium de France project combines renewable heat production with lithium extraction from the geothermal water of the Rhine Graben.
Recognized by the French State as one of 150 French "industrial cathedrals," benefiting from enhanced support to accelerate its implementation, the project reached a major milestone in 2026 with the successful drilling of its first two wells at Schwabwiller The direct lithium extraction demonstrator is now operational, and an independent assessment has estimated resources at 26 million tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE), with a total exploration potential in Alsace of up to 43 million tonnes, capable of sustaining 30 years of production and meeting the annual needs of approximately 800,000 electric vehicles.
Heat accounts for nearly 50% of France's energy needs, and three-quarters of it is still produced from fossil fuels, mostly imported.
Lithium de France aims to produce 2.2 TWh of decarbonized heat for Alsace.
Global demand for lithium is growing rapidly, driven by the electrification of transport. Yet Europe remains 99% dependent on imports for its supply.
Lithium de France aims to produce 27,000 t/year of lithium carbonate, meeting a third of France's needs.
Securing our supplies through local heat and battery-grade geothermal lithium produced in France, from extraction to refining.
Stable-priced renewable energy that strengthens economic attractiveness and competitiveness. Lithium "made in France," building a European value chain for electric mobility.
200 direct jobs and 600 indirect jobs (source: INSEE).
Providing renewable, non-intermittent, decarbonized heat. Producing low-carbon lithium essential to the energy transition.
Alsace, land of energy and lithium
The Lithium de France project transforms Alsace's underground resources into local carbon-free heat and geothermal lithium for electric batteries. This innovative industry opens up new opportunities for those who live and work in Alsace.
Energy for the future
Lithium de France Project is developing a unique resource: naturally warm geothermal water rich in lithium. It can be used to supply to local authorities, manufacturers, and farmers local, continuous, and carbon-free heat, while producing lithium, which is essential for electric batteries.
Deeply rooted in its territory and driven by the innovative technology of direct lithium extraction,this industry supports economic activity, strengthens energy sovereignty and opens new prospects in the fight against climate change.
The Rhine Graben is a vast valley between France and Germany, where the Earth's crust is thinner. Less deep than elsewhere, very hot water can be extracted here. This geothermal water, mixed with ancient salt water, circulates in rocks rich in lithium, which can be extracted in large quantities..
This video shows how the demonstrator installed at Schwabwiller works, and the principle behind direct extraction of the lithium present in Alsace's geothermal water.
In Haguenau, more than 50 employees work hard every day to develop this innovative energy sector, backed by a high level of expertise in geosciences, engineering, extraction processes, the environment, and regulations.
A dynamic is taking shape around Lithium de France Project: it is generating activity, attracting skilled workers, and encouraging new businesses to set up shop. Drawing on its resources, expertise, and industrial roots, Alsace is asserting its role as a driving force in the energy transition.
Obtaining Exclusive Exploration Permits (PER)
Subsurface exploration campaigns
Drilling
operations
First doublet completed at Schwabwiller
Construction of the geothermal power plant
Construction of the heating network
Construction of the lithium extraction unit
Construction of the lithium purification unit (refinery)
(Municipality of Betschdorf)
Two wells for geothermal heat production.
A direct lithium extraction demonstrator.
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