Fraunhofer & BGR Unveil Germany’s Massive Lithium Reserves ⚡

Germany's deep waters contain between 0.39 and 26.51 million tons of lithium, according to a study by the Fraunhofer Institute for Energy Infrastructures and Geothermal Energy (IEG). This is enough to cover the country’s demand for decades, with an estimated need of 0.17 million tons by 2030. The "Li+Fluids" research project explored lithium extraction from hydrothermal fluids in northern Germany and the Thuringian Basin. Scientists suggest combining lithium separation with geothermal energy production, making the process more economically viable. A pilot project in Munster, Lower Saxony, aims to extract up to 500 tons of lithium annually while providing district heating by 2026. Although promising, the extraction process faces technical challenges and requires further research. The project was funded with €1.733 million by the Federal Ministry of Economics, with key contributions from Fraunhofer IEG and Fraunhofer UMSICHT.