Vulcan Energy Resources has started operations at a pilot plant in Höchst, Germany, aiming to sustainably extract lithium for electric vehicle batteries. Utilizing geothermal energy, the CLEOP plant will optimize extraction processes and train staff for full-scale production, anticipated to begin in Landau by 2026. Once operational, Vulcan's facility could produce enough lithium for 500,000 EVs each year, helping Europe reduce its dependence on Chinese imports. Supported by a €100 million German government investment, the project has already secured a supply agreement with Volkswagen, reinforcing Germany’s position in the global battery market.