A bold step into geothermal lithium production has been taken by Tenaris, signing its first supply agreement in the sector with Lithium de France, a subsidiary of the Arverne Group. The deal covers casing, tubing, and related services for geothermal wells in Northern Alsace, which are set to provide regional heating and extract lithium. The partnership brings the Arverne Group, a specialist in geothermal energy, together with Tenaris, a solid European pipe manufacturer, and strengthens Europe's push for sustainable energy and critical resources for electric vehicle batteries.

"From our first interactions, there was a mutual interest in establishing a dialogue and collaborating on this new and challenging project. The key factors have been our products, our strong industrial presence in Europe, and the involvement of our technical department in the selection of materials and connections", says Simone Malesani, Commercial Sales Senior Manager for Continental Europe at Tenaris."

"The initial scope envisages delivering 1,000 tons of OCTG for two wells, but their long-term vision is much more ambitious. In the best-case scenario, they plan to drill additional geothermal doublets in the region, significantly scaling up geothermal heat production,” remarks Malesani.

Discussions culminated in August 2024 with the signing of a long-term agreement contract covering the supply of Oil Country Tubular Goods (OCTG) in addition to technical services, a deal that offers potential for extensions. The companies' shared commitment to advancing the energy transition through geothermal power played a key role in cementing the agreement centered on casing, tubing, and related services for geothermal well construction. The project is part of a far-reaching strategy to support sustainable lithium production while distributing heat in Northern Europe.

Malesani underscores that Lithium de France's CEO made one requirement clear at the beginning of the process: a reliable supplier with a strong local footprint and a shared commitment to energy transition solutions. A close collaboration between Tenaris's technical department and the French drilling team was essential for selecting the right materials and connections, thus ensuring durability and efficiency.

Beyond its technical demands, the project marks a major milestone in the energy transition. "What makes this initiative unique is its dual focus—geothermal energy for regional heating and lithium extraction," underscores Malesani. The geothermal energy produced will supply heat to the Alsace region, benefiting local businesses and communities while supporting the responsible extraction of lithium for electric vehicle batteries.

The project is a promising start for Tenaris, which plans to ramp up its activity in this segment across Europe. "We see strong momentum in the geothermal sector across Continental Europe and are working to strengthen our presence in this key market segment in the region," he concluded.

With its deep faults and lithium-rich granites, the Rhine Valley offers prime geological conditions for geothermal energy and lithium extraction—crucial to Europe's clean energy transition. As the Tenaris-Lithium de France partnership advances, it sets a benchmark for how the energy sector can innovate to meet the rising demand for sustainable power and critical minerals, driving the future of electric mobility.