Chemical Industry News, Data & Insights

Vulcan and BASF Begin Seismic Surveys for Geothermal Project

Key highlights
  • Seismic surveys will occur from late February to early March on 75 km of roadway in Vorderpfalz.
  • The project includes potential construction of a commercial Lithium Extraction Plant in Ludwigshafen.
  • The development aims to provide renewable heat for BASF's main plant and district heating for Ludwigshafen and Frankenthal.
  • The project seeks to replicate the model across the Upper Rhine Valley Brine Field for broader decarbonization.

Project Overview

Vulcan Energy has received approvals to begin seismic surveys for a geothermal heat project in Ludwigshafen, Germany, in partnership with BASF. The project aims to supply BASF's Verbund site with renewable baseload heat.

Seismic Survey Details

The initial stage involves two-dimensional seismic surveys on 75 kilometers of roadway in Vorderpfalz, including towns like Bad Dürkheim and Ludwigshafen. The surveys will help determine optimal locations for further development, followed by three-dimensional surveys.

Development Goals

The project seeks to utilize geothermal energy from the Upper Rhine Valley Brine Field to provide renewable heat for BASF's main plant and sustainable district heating for Ludwigshafen and Frankenthal. Additionally, there is potential for constructing a commercial Lithium Extraction Plant in Ludwigshafen.

Future Expansion

Vulcan plans to replicate this development model across the Upper Rhine Valley Brine Field, aiming to contribute to the decarbonization of European industry and public heating sectors. The same geothermal wells could also produce lithium for lithium-ion batteries.