A geothermal lithium development in eastern France is moving toward a broader drilling phase after initial well results exceeded expectations, with service contracts now being awarded.

The first well at the Lithium de France project in Alsace, led by geothermal solutions provider Arverne, delivered a stabilised flow rate of 275m³/h, above the 250m³/h modelled. Temperature reached 145°C versus an expected 130°C, with productivity of 10 L/s/bar and no induced seismicity reported.

The Alsace project combines geothermal heat production with lithium extraction from deep brines, using direct lithium extraction (DLE). Lithium concentrations of around 180ppm were registered, with pre-feasibility work indicating extraction efficiency of 91%.

As attention shifts to field development, Aberdeen-based Expro has already secured a tubular running services contract covering geothermal and DLE wells in the region, pointing to a wider drilling campaign. The company said DLE developments require integration across well services, testing and water management.

"This project reflects the acceleration of new-energy development across Europe," said Iain Farley, Expro's regional VP. "The high well count demonstrates real momentum in the region and our ability to support operations showcases how Expro's expertise is evolving to meet the needs of a lower‑carbon future."

The move comes as developers attempt to scale geothermal lithium production beyond the pilot stage. Under its Dual Flow strategy, Arverne is targeting combined production of geothermal heat and lithium, with first lithium output scheduled for 2028 and peak production between 2031 and 2033 at 27,000tpa of lithium carbonate alongside 2.2TWh of heat.

The company is building capacity to support that expansion, operating three deep geothermal rigs and planning to add two more by 2031.

Possible agreements 

At the same time, commercial contracts are being considered with possible agreements that include a district heating memorandum with Primeo Energie France and a lithium off-take deal with Renault Group covering 25,000t over five years.

"With a portfolio of nearly one hundred projects in France and major advances in the Lithium de France project, Arverne expects a significant acceleration from 2026 onward, with the signing of €400m in long-term contracts," said Pierre Brossollet, Averne's founder and CEO. 

"This first well provides the clearest, concrete, measured and reproducible evidence that the project in Alsace is one of the most promising in Europe," said the company.

By 2033, Arverne expects to be targeting  4TWh per year of deep geothermal energy production in France, representing more than 50% of the country's energy roadmap objectives.  Annual production of 27,000t of  lithium in Alsace would be enough to equip 800,000 electric vehicles.

French policy

In 2025, the French government introduced measures to remove obstacles to the development of geothermal energy. The policy was reinforced in early 2026 by the third Multiannual Energy Program (PPE3), which aims to reduce the share of fossil fuels in final energy consumption from 60% to 40% by 2030 through massive electrification and increased use of renewables, while increasing geothermal production fivefold by 2035.

At the same time, the European Union is preparing a Geothermal Action Plan for the second quarter of 2026, targeting 250GW of installed capacity by 2040, six times the current level.

This plan comes in a critical context: the end of Russian gas imports in 2027, forcing Europe to rethink its energy strategy. Lithium is deemed a strategic issue for electric mobility and industrial autonomy, with global lithium demand expected to quadruple by 2040.

Arverne plans to continue expanding its fleet through the acquisition of two deep geothermal rigs by 2031, representing an investment of €50 million.