AUTONEWS

European automotive conglomerate is investigating possibilities of using geothermal energy

As automakers transition to electric vehicles, they are also working to “clean up” the manufacturing process.

Brands big and small are pushing to decarbonize their factories, and that includes finding new sustainable energy sources for assembly lines. Stellantis also enters this environmental universe, announcing the signing of a contract with Vulcan Energy Resources, related to exploring the supply of a plant with geothermal energy.

This would be the first use of geothermal energy by an automobile manufacturer. Admittedly, the project is still years away from being realized. Its first phase at the Stellantis plant in Rüsselsheim, Germany will include a pre-feasibility study with Vulcan, which is building a geothermal solution on site. If deemed successful, the next phase of the project will focus on drilling or advanced studies and development.

Stellantis, the conglomerate that includes Grupo PSA and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, hopes to become "the industry champion in mitigating the consequences of climate change". The company has detailed a plan to become carbon neutral by 2038, as well as reduce global emissions by 50% by the end of this decade.

“This partnership with Vulcan reinforces our commitment to driving better clean energy solutions across our company,” said Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares, adding that the project “aligns with our Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan.” The Italian-French-American automaker detailed the plan last March, setting a target of selling all-electric vehicles in Europe by 2030.

According to the automaker's assumptions, Risselsheim, which makes the DS4 and Opel Astra, could obtain a "significant part" of its geothermal energy needs from 2025 onwards. Vulcan and Stellantis are also exploring business models in potential, including the sale of surplus energy to the public.

“Vulcan is here to support Stellantis, our largest lithium customer and one of our largest shareholders, to decarbonize their operations in Europe,” said Vulcan Managing Director and CEO Dr. Francis Vedin.

The industry's transition to electric vehicles has also led automakers to look for other sustainable ways to produce cars and logistics. Companies are exploring various ways to reduce their carbon footprint during production. We will likely see several automakers exploring geothermal and other alternative energy sources by the end of the decade.

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