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Low-carbon Lithium Extraction Makes Deep Geothermal Plants Cost-competitive in Energy Systems

Author

Listed:
  • Jann Michael Weinand
  • Ganga Vandenberg
  • Stanley Risch
  • Johannes Behrens
  • Noah Pflugradt
  • Jochen Lin{ss}en
  • Detlef Stolten

Abstract

Lithium is a critical material for the energy transition, but conventional procurement methods have significant environmental impacts. In this study, we utilize regional energy system optimizations to investigate the techno-economic potential of the low-carbon alternative of direct lithium extraction in deep geothermal plants. We show that geothermal plants will become cost-competitive in conjunction with lithium extraction, even under unfavorable conditions and partially displace photovoltaics, wind power, and storage from energy systems. Our analysis indicates that if 10% of municipalities in the Upper Rhine Graben area in Germany constructed deep geothermal plants, they could provide enough lithium to produce about 1.2 million electric vehicle battery packs per year, equivalent to 70% of today`s annual electric vehicle registrations in the European Union. This approach could offer significant environmental benefits and has high potential for mass application also in other countries, such as the United States, United Kingdom, France, and Italy, highlighting the importance of further research and development of this technology.

Suggested Citation

  • Jann Michael Weinand & Ganga Vandenberg & Stanley Risch & Johannes Behrens & Noah Pflugradt & Jochen Lin{ss}en & Detlef Stolten, 2023. "Low-carbon Lithium Extraction Makes Deep Geothermal Plants Cost-competitive in Energy Systems," Papers 2304.07019, arXiv.org.
    • Handle: RePEc:arx:papers:2304.07019
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    File URL: http://arxiv.org/pdf/2304.07019
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    Cited by:

    1. Ewa Knapik & Grzegorz Rotko & Marta Marszałek, 2023. "Recovery of Lithium from Oilfield Brines—Current Achievements and Future Perspectives: A Mini Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(18), pages 1-28, September.

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