The European Commission today recognized Ageli as a project that can make a significant contribution to the European Union’s security of supply of strategic raw materials, and as an essential tool for the energy transition on the European continent. This recognition follows its call for applications launched by the European authorities as part of the European regulation on critical raw materials (Critical Raw Materials Act), which comes into force in May 2024. Thanks to this status, Ageli will be able to benefit from priority processing to accelerate certain administrative deadlines and facilitate the search for funding.
The aim of the Ageli project is to harness the geothermal waters of the Rhine Graben in Northern Alsace to produce decarbonated energy and the lithium needed for Europe’s future battery industry. To achieve this, Eramet has adapted its patented process for direct extraction of battery-grade lithium, one of the most responsible in the world, which is already operational on the Centenario site in Argentina.
This French production could meet the needs associated with the commissioning of around 250,000 electric vehicle batteries per year, i.e. 15-20% of French requirements expected from 2031 onwards. The Ageli project, for which the final investment decision is expected at the end of 2027, will also produce carbon-free geothermal energy for a range of local customers, contributing to the economic development and energy transition of the Alsace region.
