As the effects of climate change increase worldwide, the conversion of energy supply to renewable energy sources in all sectors becomes more urgent than ever. Electromobility plays a crucial role in the decarbonization of the automotive industry. In this context, lithium is essential due to its application in lithium-ion batteries. In addition to existing extraction from conventional sources, lithium production from geothermal brines is currently being researched worldwide. Thereby, deep geothermal waters with high salinity and mineralization can contain significant concentrations of dissolved lithium. The extraction of sustainable lithium from geothermal waters in Central Europe consequently also offers the opportunity to achieve an important regional contribution to the production of lithium-ion batteries to implement climate targets.
Various processes are available for the extraction of lithium from deep geothermal water, referred to as "Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) Processes". The workshop at this year's Geotherm in Offenburg will focus on the different technical approaches of lithium extraction from geothermal brines as well as the further processing of lithium after DLE. Participants of various R&D pilot projects in Germany, France and the UK will give insights on the scientific and technical aspects as well as the challenges of lithium extraction.
The workshop will take place as a side event along with the congress in the Oberrheinhalle in Offenburg on Friday, June 3, 2022, from 9:00 to 12:30 CEST. Registration to attend the workshop is not required. Visitors to Geotherm will receive free admission for this event. Directions, the workshop program and further information can be found on the Geotherm website.