In order to decarbonize the energy balance of its plant in Mulhouse, where the DS 7, Peugeot 308, 408 and 508 are currently produced, Stellantis signed a binding agreement with Vulcan Energy Resources to start the first phase of a geothermal energy development project that could contribute to providing a significant part of the energy needs of the Alsace industrial area, starting in 2026.

“We are proud to announce a new step in our partnership with Vulcan, which demonstrates our commitment to increase the use of decarbonized energy solutions in our facilities”said Arnaud Debeuf, industrial director of Stellantis: “Geothermal energy is one of many solutions we are looking at to achieve our goal of carbon neutrality by 2038 under our Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan.”

Stellantis: renewable geothermal energy facility

The first phase of this project will include a preliminary study to ensure the technical and economic feasibility of a renewable geothermal energy installation conducted by Vulcan for the Stellantis plant. This study will also assess the potential for lithium production, and then the next step will be 3D seismic exploration, further study and development.

Last November, Vulcan announced plans to expand its geothermal renewable energy activities to France, as well as a Carbonless Lithium project, particularly in Alsace.

In the Mulhouse area, Vulcan has applied for an exclusive lithium license for underground exploration of a brine deposit in the Upper Rhine Valley. As part of the agreement with Stellantis, Vulcan teams will conduct an evaluation of the lithium mineral resource.

Stellantis: Towards Carbon Neutrality in 2038

The Vulcan “Zero Carbon Lithium” project is part of the mission of the French Observatory of Mineral Resources, which will advise on public investment: a €2 billion French investment fund was recently announced for the first tests of the materials.

Stellantis explores all aspects of decarbonization with the goal of becoming a carbon-neutral society by 2038 with unambiguous offsets for remaining emissions. This agreement with Vulcan Energy will allow Stellantis to use renewable geothermal energy to decarbonize and power one of its strategic industrial facilities.

In the electric vehicle sector in Europe, the agreement also strengthens Vulcan’s impact on carbon neutrality, in addition to the carbon emission commitments of the Zero Carbon Lithium project.

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