April 12, 2024
Source: Energy & Management Powernews
Neptune Energy Deutschland also wants to get involved in the extraction of lithium and geothermal energy in Germany in the future.
The Saxony-Anhalt State Office for Geology and Mining has granted Neptune Energy Deutschland, based in Salzwedel, a good 100 kilometers north of Magdeburg, mining permits for the extraction of lithium and geothermal energy in the Altmark region. This gives Neptune Energy exclusive rights to operate this form of raw material extraction in a defined area. The first pilot tests to test the feasibility of lithium extraction on site are due to start this year.
"We are examining numerous options to develop interesting projects outside of oil and gas extraction," explains Axel Wenke, Director New Energy at Neptune. A dedicated team of specialists has been focusing on these two new projects since the beginning of the year. The parent company Neptune Energy sold the majority of its international oil and gas portfolio last year. The German division was not affected at the time.
According to a press release, the production permits that have now been issued relate to an area that is largely congruent with the Altmark natural gas field that has already been developed. Neptune Energy has been extracting natural gas there for 55 years. Managing Director Andreas Scheck explains: "Over the past decades, we have been able to gain a lot of knowledge in the course of natural gas extraction that will help us in the production of lithium and geothermal energy in the future."
Neptune Energy claims to be the first company in Germany to receive a mining production permit for lithium. The company assures that its deposits have already been proven in the deep water of the permit field. A further exploration phase is therefore not necessary.
"This puts us well ahead of our competitors in the race for large-scale lithium production," says Scheck. He is convinced that the Altmark will take on a leading role as a mining region in the future.
Talks are currently underway with potential technology partners who can use their systems to extract lithium from the Altmark's thermal water. Planned pilot tests would then show how long-term extraction could be implemented at a later date. Neptune Energy also wants to make the geothermal energy extracted from the deep water available regionally in order to supply households or industrial companies with heat. The company is also in talks with potential partners in this area.
In addition, the Salzwedel-based company has applied to the state office for three further exploration permits for lithium and geothermal energy. These areas are adjacent to the permit area. They extend beyond the Altmark district of Salzwedel and into the districts of Stendal and Börde.
Author: Davina Spohn
Accessibility
Language
