Arverne Group Begins Construction of Geothermal Lithium Extraction Plant in Alsace

Arverne Group has launched construction of its Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) demonstration plant in the Bas-Rhin region of Alsace, marking a critical step toward developing geothermal lithium production in France. The facility aims to test the viability and performance of extracting lithium from geothermal brines in the Rhine basin using innovative, low-impact methods.

The project, which began with preparatory studies and equipment procurement in 2024, is supported by public funding from BPI France under the France 2030 plan, along with EU backing through the France Relance initiative. Designed with DG SKID and based on pilot work by Lithium de France and Equinor in Norway, the plant will assess lithium yield, selectivity, and environmental metrics under real-world conditions.

Construction of the geothermal doublet—an essential component of the system—is expected to begin in the coming months, pending final drilling authorizations.

Arverne aims to produce 27,000 tonnes of lithium annually by 2031, alongside 4 TWh of geothermal heat, positioning the company to support growing demand for electric vehicles and energy storage in Europe.