Sustainable Lithium Extraction from Geothermal Wells in the Upper Rhine Valley for Decades

Geothermal Resources in Upper Rhine Valley Offer Reliable Lithium Extraction

Geothermal wells in the Upper Rhine Valley present a promising solution to Europe’s growing need for lithium in the pursuit of climate neutrality. Researchers from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) have conducted extensive data analyses, revealing that these geothermal sources could sustainably provide lithium for several decades. Their findings, detailed in the journal Energies, offer hope for bolstering Europe’s lithium supply.

Addressing Europe’s Lithium Demand

As Europe strives to achieve climate neutrality, the demand for lithium, a crucial component of battery storage systems, is set to soar. Currently, Europe accounts for a mere one percent of the global lithium extraction volume. Recognizing this challenge, KIT researchers embarked on a mission to harness lithium from geothermal sources.

Valentin Goldberg, affiliated with KIT’s Institute of Applied Geosciences (AGW), elaborates, “In theory, geothermal power plants in the Upper Rhine Valley and Northern German Basin could potentially satisfy between 2 and 12 percent of Germany’s annual lithium requirements.”

Goldberg and his team arrived at this estimate through meticulous data analysis. However, a lingering question remained: How long can this extraction be sustained? Another study by the researchers now paints an optimistic picture. Goldberg asserts, “According to our findings, lithium extraction can be achieved for many years with minimal environmental impact.”

Transferrable Insights for Sustainable Extraction

The model developed by the researchers primarily focuses on lithium extraction in the Upper Rhine Valley but is designed with parameters that can be applied to other joint systems as well.

A Unique Approach to Lithium Production

Lithium extraction from thermal waters deviates from conventional mining practices. Traditional methods are inadequate for analyzing this process. Dr. Fabian Nitschke of AGW, who played a pivotal role in the study, explains, “Lithium in water exists within a complex network of joints and cavities in the rock, accessible only at specific points through individual wells.”

To determine the potential for lithium production, researchers considered factors such as the volume of water that could be extracted, lithium concentration, and the rate of lithium extraction per unit of time. Nitschke adds, “We employed a dynamic transport model tailored to the unique underground conditions of the Upper Rhine Valley, integrating thermal, hydraulic, and chemical processes. While similar models are familiar in the petroleum and gas industry, they have yet to be applied to lithium extraction.”

Sustainability Through Recycling

In the process of utilizing geothermal energy, extracted water is returned to the ground via a second borehole. Researchers investigated whether the lithium concentration in the deep water diminishes over time. The results reveal a 30 to 50 percent reduction in lithium concentration in the extraction borehole during the initial third of the 30-year study period, as the deep water mixes with the returned water. Subsequently, the lithium concentration remains stable.

Nitschke notes, “This stability can be attributed to the open joint system, which continuously introduces fresh deep water from different directions.” The modeling suggests that sustainable lithium extraction will remain viable for decades. Nitschke concludes, “In essence, unconventional resource extraction exhibits the classical cyclic pattern, akin to hydrocarbon extraction or ore mining, yielding the highest returns initially and gradually declining over time.”

Investing in a Sustainable Future

Thomas Kohl, who leads the research activities as Professor for Geothermal Energy and Reservoir Technology at AGW, views these findings as another compelling reason to expand the use of geothermal energy. Kohl asserts, “We already knew that geothermal sources can provide consistent, renewable energy for decades. Our study now unveils the potential for a single power plant in the Upper Rhine Valley to contribute up to 3 percent of Germany’s annual lithium consumption.” Kohl’s team is actively working on practical solutions to implement these discoveries.

Future Prospects for Sustainable Lithium Extraction

The research offers a glimpse into a sustainable future, where geothermal wells in the Upper Rhine Valley could play a significant role in meeting Europe’s lithium demands. As technology advances and practical applications are developed, the vision of a more sustainable and environmentally friendly lithium extraction process draws nearer.

References:

1. “Challenges and Opportunities for Lithium Extraction from Geothermal Systems in Germany—Part 3: The Return of the Extraction Brine” by Valentin Goldberg, Ali Dashti, Robert Egert, Binil Benny, Thomas Kohl, and Fabian Nitschke, published on August 9, 2023, in Energies. DOI: 10.3390/en16165899

2. “Development of a continuous silica treatment strategy for metal extraction processes in operating geothermal plants” by Valentin Goldberg, Daniel Winter, Fabian Nitschke, Sebastian Held, Florian Groß, Daniel Pfeiffle, Jörg Uhde, Diego Morata, Joachim Koschikowski, and Thomas Kohl, published on June 15, 2023, in Desalination. DOI: 10.1016/j.desal.2023.116775

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More about Lithium Extraction

• Energies Journal Article – Detailed information on challenges and opportunities for lithium extraction from geothermal systems in Germany.
• Desalination Journal Article – Information on the development of a continuous silica treatment strategy for metal extraction processes in operating geothermal plants.