Schwabwiller: an innovative geothermal heat project for Alsace
Lithium de France shares Northern Alsace’s ambition to develop geothermal heat and lithium production as a means to reduce CO₂ emissions. Committed to unlocking the resources of the Alsatian subsurface, we are drilling two geothermal heat production wells in Schwabwiller – Betschdorf. These operations are being carried out under two Exclusive Prospecting Licences (“Permis Exclusif de Recherches”, PER) granted to Lithium de France.
Lithium de France’s first operational site in Northern Alsace
These operations are taking place within the boundaries of two PER granted by the French government — “Les Sources” (for geothermal heat) in 2022 and “Les Sources Alcalines” (for geothermal lithium) in 2023. These licenses require that the designated geographic areas be thoroughly explored to identify and assess geothermal heat and lithium resources, and to develop expert knowledge of the Alsatian subsurface.
Starting in 2022, several 3D exploration campaigns were conducted to identify geological targets. Based on the analysis of both existing and newly acquired data, this initial phase of geological surveying led to the identification of the Schwabwiller site.
Overall operations timeline
- June 22, 2022: PER Les Sources license obtained
- September–October 2022: 3D exploration over 60 km²
- November 2022: data acquisition
- April 2023: temperature gradient measurements
- July 24, 2023: PER Les Sources Alcalines license obtained
- July–August 2023: 3D exploration over 100 km²
- November 4 to December 9, 2024: public inquiry
- May 16, 2025: environmental authorization granted by prefectural decree
- June 2025: start of exploratory drilling work
Our team of drilling experts
Our Drilling team manages all aspects of drilling engineering and operational oversight in-house, ensuring full project control over well construction. We design the wells, identify the necessary equipment and services, and supervise drilling operations continuously — all while strictly adhering to safety standards.
Beyond Lithium de France’s in-house expertise, our drilling operations are carried out in close collaboration with our sister company, Arverne Drilling Services, also a subsidiary of Arverne Group. Formerly known as COFOR, Arverne Drilling Services is a specialist in well drilling and maintenance. With over 1,000 wells drilled worldwide and more than 60 years of experience, the company now operates on behalf of Lithium de France. It holds triple ISO certification: ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems), ISO 14001 (Environmental Management), and ISO 9001 (Quality Management Systems).
Accelerating the energy transition through heat supply and French lithium production for electric mobility
Since 2020, Lithium de France has been working to establish a new industry combining geothermal heat and lithium production. The unique geology of the Rhine Graben in Alsace, whose subsurface contains geothermal waters rich in lithium, offers a unique opportunity to achieve a triple objective aligned with national and European goals for decarbonization and energy independence, while also supporting the local energy transition:
Produce renewable, continuous, low-carbon heat at a stable cost for local consumption, benefiting the region through the development of heat networks serving municipalities, agricultural operations, and industrial sites.
Reassert energy sovereignty through short-supply-chain access to battery-grade lithium, from extraction to refining.
Contribute to France’s reindustrialization and support local employment by promoting and reshoring industrial activities, powered by local, competitive, low-carbon energy and lithium destined for French gigafactories.
