ACS, Sedgman and HOCHTIEF strengthen critical-minerals presence through full-scale partnership on Vulcan Energy’s Lionheart Project in Germany

ACS, Sedgman and HOCHTIEF strengthen critical-minerals presence through full-scale partnership on Vulcan Energy’s Lionheart Project in Germany

(IN BRIEF) ACS Group has expanded its partnership with Vulcan Energy by taking on an end-to-end role in delivering the infrastructure for the Lionheart Project, Europe’s major geothermal-lithium initiative. Through Sedgman and HOCHTIEF Infrastructure, ACS has been appointed EPCM contractor for both the Lithium Extraction Plant (€397 million) and the Central Lithium Plant (€337 million). HOCHTIEF is also investing €169 million in Vulcan, combining project funding and a substantial subscription of new shares. The Lionheart Project, located in the Upper Rhine Valley, will produce 24,000 tons of battery-grade lithium hydroxide monohydrate annually while generating renewable heat and power. Recognized as an EU Strategic Project, Lionheart supports Europe’s clean-energy goals and lithium independence and has secured more than €2.193 billion in funding. The facilities will be capable of producing enough lithium for roughly 500,000 electric vehicle batteries each year without using fossil fuels. ACS leaders highlighted that the partnership reflects the Group’s commitment to critical minerals, sustainable infrastructure, and advancing Europe’s energy transition.

(PRESS RELEASE) MADRID, 3-Dec-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — ACS Group has strengthened its collaboration with Vulcan Energy, the German-based pioneer in sustainable lithium and renewable energy, by securing an expanded, end-to-end role in developing the infrastructure that will underpin Vulcan’s lithium production ecosystem. The move deepens ACS’s presence across the critical minerals sector and aligns with its broader strategy to build an integrated footprint spanning investment, extraction, processing, and major clean-energy infrastructure.

Sedgman, ACS’s minerals processing specialist with more than 45 years of experience and over 630 global projects, will play a central role in the partnership. Working alongside HOCHTIEF Infrastructure, Sedgman has been appointed as Engineering, Procurement and Construction Management (EPCM) contractor for Vulcan’s flagship Lionheart Project—one of Europe’s most ambitious clean-energy and lithium-production developments. The appointment covers the complete delivery of the €397 million Lithium Extraction Plant and the €337 million Central Lithium Plant.

ACS has also announced that HOCHTIEF will make a €169 million investment in Vulcan Energy. This includes €39 million committed directly to the Lionheart Project, as well as a subscription of up to €130 million in Vulcan shares, positioning HOCHTIEF as one of the company’s cornerstone investors. HOCHTIEF has additionally been selected as preferred supplier for the civil engineering works associated with the Lionheart development, reinforcing the Group’s long-term commitment to the project.

Juan Santamaría, CEO of ACS Group and HOCHTIEF, and Executive Chairman of CIMIC Group, said the initiative represents a defining moment for Europe’s energy transition. He explained that the Lionheart Project embodies the convergence of renewable energy production and sustainable lithium supply — two elements essential to Europe’s battery and zero-carbon goals. He added that the combined strengths of Sedgman and HOCHTIEF, from mineral processing expertise to large-scale infrastructure delivery, make ACS an ideal strategic partner as Europe works to secure regional lithium independence and accelerate clean-energy innovation.

Grant Fraser, Managing Director of Sedgman, emphasized that the expanded partnership reflects Sedgman’s strong track record across global critical-minerals projects and the team’s ongoing technical involvement in Lionheart. Ignacio Legorburo, CEO of HOCHTIEF Infrastructure, noted that the company’s long history delivering complex European infrastructure will help ensure efficient, high-quality execution.

Located in Germany’s Upper Rhine Valley, the Lionheart Project is designed to produce 24,000 tons of battery-grade lithium hydroxide monohydrate (LHM) annually using geothermal brine — a process that simultaneously generates renewable heat and electricity. This dual-purpose system positions Lionheart as one of Europe’s most innovative energy-transition projects. With secured offtake agreements across Europe’s battery value chain and designated EU Strategic Project status under the Critical Raw Materials Act, Lionheart is recognized as a cornerstone initiative for strengthening regional lithium supply.

The project has attracted substantial public and private support, including €204 million in federal and state grants and a €250 million cornerstone loan commitment from the European Investment Bank. In total, Vulcan has assembled €2.193 billion in funding to progress the development. Sedgman and HOCHTIEF Infrastructure will oversee the engineering, construction, and commissioning of both the extraction and processing facilities, which together will produce enough lithium hydroxide to supply approximately 500,000 electric vehicle batteries per year — entirely without fossil-fuel inputs.

Media Contact:

email: pdd@grupoacs.com

SOURCE: Actividades de Construcción y Servicios (ACS)