Stellantis to Explore Geothermal Energy to Supply Rüsselsheim Plant in Germany

Stellantis N.V. and Vulcan Energy Resources Limited have signed an agreement to develop new geothermal projects aimed at decarbonising the energy mix of Stellantis’ Rüsselsheim industrial site in Germany, which is home to both the DS4 and Opel Astra. The project could provide a significant portion of the industrial site’s annual energy needs starting in 2025.

The first phase of the project will include a pre-feasibility study for the construction of geothermal assets for Stellantis’ facility, carried out by Vulcan.

If successful, the next phase will focus on drilling and more advanced studies and development. Stellantis will aim to source funding for 50% of the project development, which is also supported by the local government.

The agreement with Vulcan Energy marks Stellantis’ first potential use of renewable geothermal energy to decarbonize and localize its energy supply at an industrial site.

Stellantis and Vulcan will aim to produce clean electricity and supply it to the grid for both internal and external consumption, in accordance with Germany’s Renewable Energy Act (EEG), while also producing heat to be transferred to Stellantis’ manufacturing site.

Vulcan is aiming to become the world’s first lithium producer with net zero greenhouse gas emissions.

Stellantis CEO, Carlos Tavares, says: “This partnership with Vulcan reinforces our commitment to promoting greater clean energy solutions across our enterprise. It is one of many actions we’ve taken to drive results, impact, and sustainability in alignment with our Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan.”

“Vulcan’s core mission is decarbonization, through renewable energy and carbon neutral, zero fossil fuels lithium supply,” adds Vulcan Managing Director and CEO, Dr. Francis Wedin. “Vulcan is here to support Stellantis, our largest lithium customer and one of our major shareholders, to decarbonize its operations in Europe. While we remain focused on our geothermal-lithium developments in the center of the Upper Rhine Valley Brine Field, this project is a complementary opportunity to expand our development pipeline to some of the outer lying areas in the Upper Rhine Valley, supported by industrial partners like Stellantis."

Stellantis is committed to becoming carbon net zero by 2038, with a 50% reduction by 2030.