Stellantis to power Rüsselsheim plant with geothermal energy

Stellantis has signed a collaboration agreement with Vulcan Energy binding for the first phase of a multi-phase project for the development of new geothermal projects intended to decarbonize the energy mix of the Stellantis industrial plant in Rüsselsheim (Germany), where the DS4 and the Opel AstraBased on current assumptions, the project could provide a significant portion of the centre's energy needs from 2025 onwards.
The first phase of the geothermal energy project will include a study of prefeasibility for the construction of geothermal assets for Stellantis facilities, carried out by Vulcan. The next phase will focus on drilling and more advanced studies and developments. Stellantis and Vulcan will aim to produce clean electricity and supply it to the grid for both internal and external consumption, in accordance with the German Renewable Energy Act (EEG), while also producing heat to transfer to Stellantis’ manufacturing plant.

Carlos Tavares, CEO of Stellantis, added that "this partnership with Vulcan reinforces our commitment to promoting greater solutions for clean energy across our company. It is one of the many actions we have undertaken to drive results, impact and sustainability in line with our Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan.”

Stellantis bets on geothermal energy

For his part, Dr. Francis Wedin, Vulcan Managing Director and CEO, has pointed out that "Vulcan's main mission is the decarbonization, “Vulcan is here to support Stellantis, our largest lithium customer and one of our key shareholders, in decarbonising its operations in Europe through renewables such as geothermal energy and the supply of carbon-neutral lithium with zero fossil fuels. Vulcan is here to support Stellantis, our largest lithium customer and one of our key shareholders, in decarbonising its operations in Europe. While we remain focused on our geothermal-lithium developments in the core of the Upper Rhine Valley brine field, this project is a complementary opportunity to expand our development portfolio to some of the more remote areas of the Upper Rhine Valley, with the support of industrial partners such as Stellantis.”

Boris Rhein, Minister President of Hesse, said: “I am pleased with the announced partnership between Stellantis and Vulcan Energy. This is positive news for Hesse, because it shows that in our state climate protection and cutting-edge industrial production through innovative ideas are perfectly compatible.” The agreement with Stellantis also increases Vulcan’s decarbonising impact on the European electric vehicle industry, complementing the carbon avoidance of its Zero Carbon Lithium Project, and generating value for shareholders.