Construction has commenced on Vulcan Energy Resources’ Central Lithium Plant within the Infraserv Industrial Park Höchst, Frankfurt, marking a significant commercial deployment of NORAM Electrolysis Systems Inc.’s (NESI) industrial electrochemical platform.
The facility forms a core component of Vulcan’s Lionheart Project, one of Europe’s most advanced integrated geothermal‑lithium and renewable energy developments, designed to localise production of battery‑grade materials and reduce dependency on imported feedstocks.
At the heart of the project is NESI’s proprietary NORSCAND® electrolysis technology, engineered to to produce high-purity lithium hydroxide from lithium sulfate or lithium chloride, to recover acid and caustic from sodium sulfate, and upcycle carbon dioxide into renewable fuel. The Lionheart Project will use the technology to convert lithium chloride into high‑purity lithium hydroxide monohydrate (LHM). The system is configured for an annual output of 24,000 tonnes of LHM, supporting the equivalent of approximately 500,000 electric vehicle battery units. This positions the plant as a critical downstream processing asset within Europe’s emerging battery materials supply chain.
The groundbreaking event, attended by senior political and industrial stakeholders including Boris Rhein and Mike Josef, underscored the strategic relevance of domestic lithium refining to Germany’s and Europe’s long‑term electrification and energy‑transition objectives.
For NESI, the Lionheart Project represents a large‑scale, real‑world integration of its electrochemical process architecture. The Central Lithium Plant will operate as the conversion hub for Vulcan’s geothermal brine extraction system, coupling renewable heat and power with electrolysis‑based chemical upgrading to deliver battery‑quality lithium products.
Jeremy Moulson, NESI President and CEO, stated: “This groundbreaking is a major validation of NESI’s role in scaling cleaner electrochemical infrastructure for battery materials.” Vulcan’s Managing Director and CEO, Cris Moreno, added: “Commencing construction on our Central Lithium Plant is a defining moment for Vulcan and the European battery value chain.”
Following a positive Final Investment Decision and €2.2 billion financing secured in late 2025, Vulcan has confirmed that major construction activities are now underway, with commercial production scheduled for the second half of 2028. NESI’s involvement further consolidates its position as a technology provider in low‑carbon critical minerals processing and advanced battery‑material manufacturing.
Image: The groundbreaking ceremony. Credit: Uli Deck
