CuLiWell Project | Stakeholder Workshop

On February 18 and 19, 2026, a transdisciplinary stakeholder workshop was held at the Helmholtz Association's Berlin office as part of the CuLiWell Project. Representatives from science, politics, industry, and non-governmental organizations discussed the raw material potential of co-extracting copper and lithium from deep geothermal waters while simultaneously generating energy. The aim of the workshop was to synthesize the current state of knowledge, identify existing knowledge gaps, and assess the technical, economic, and regulatory feasibility of combined raw material and energy production.

Initially, Prof. Dr. Simona Regenspurg, CuLiWell project manager, presented the objectives and conceptual framework of the CuLiWell project. She particularly emphasized the potential of locally sourcing critical raw materials in the context of the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) adopted by the European Union. The combined extraction of lithium and copper from geothermal systems could not only contribute to securing raw materials, but also strengthen the use of renewable energies.

Dr. Elisabeth Eiche then highlighted the state of research on lithium extraction from geothermal fluids. The use of ion-selective adsorbents was presented as a currently promising technical approach. Nevertheless, there is still a need for research into the development of an “ideal sorbent.” Prof. Dr. Hannes Hofmann explained that many reservoir rocks have low natural permeability and therefore require hydraulic stimulation methods to improve the flow rates of geothermal fluids. 

In the afternoon, Michael Schmidt from the Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR) spoke about lithium production in an international context. He outlined the current challenges with regard to global trade structures and declining battery production in the EU, emphasizing the strategic importance of greater European self-sufficiency. Dr. Axel Wenke from Neptune Energy added an industrial perspective to the discussion. The company plans to extract lithium from thermal waters in the Altmark region with the aim of establishing a regional value chain. 

In follow-up working groups, participants discussed political framework conditions, options for securing long-term production rates, requirements for corrosion-resistant materials, and aspects of environmental protection and social acceptance. The results were compiled in a panel discussion and reflected upon together.

To conclude the first day of the workshop, Dr. Sam Spurr (GEO: Global Extraction Observatory, Senior Fellow at RIFS) offered a different kind of insight into lithium as part of an artistic intervention entitled "Volatility".

The second day of the workshop began with a discussion of which political measures could support the project. Among other things, a 3D underground atlas for raw material deposits, the expansion of a federal raw materials fund, and amendments to the Geological Data Act to improve access to scientific data were mentioned. In addition, the importance of transparent communication, independent research, and early participation formats for social acceptance was emphasized. Overall, the desire for stronger political support was expressed in order to create long-term planning security.

In a co-writing session, the participants developed initial ideas for joint research proposals. As a next step, the feasibility of co-extraction could be further investigated in a joint test and demonstration facility.  

The fact sheet (in German) on co-extraction can be found here.