Driven by the expansion of electromobility, lithium has become a raw material of strategic importance. Global demand has risen sharply in recent years. “By 2030, demand will grow another five to seven times,” predicts Michael Schmidt of the German Raw Materials Agency.
Until now, Europe has been completely dependent on lithium imports. The European Union has now set itself the goal of covering at least ten percent of its demand from its own production by 2030. In addition, it wants to process lithium here, manufacture batteries, and boost recycling. The aim is to establish a lithium cycle in Europe. Can this work? And what consequences would lithium mining have for the environment?
The film visits places where the success of a European lithium cycle could be decided: for example, a quarry in the French Massif Central, where, according to the plans of a mining company, one of Europe’s largest lithium mines is soon to be built; or a pilot plant in the Upper Rhine Graben, where lithium is extracted not from rock but from hot deep waters.
Whether in a refinery, a research facility for battery cells, or a recycling plant for electric car batteries, every stage of the lithium cycle presents technological challenges. The film follows scientists researching resource-efficient methods of lithium extraction and features experts who are investigating how much lithium Europe actually needs to complete its transportation transition.
A film by Lucas Gries.
Commissioned by HR in association with ARTE.