Rock Tech Lithium at the LAUSITZFORUM: Driving Towards Germany’s First Net-Zero Valley
Last week, our colleague Henrik Wende participated in a panel discussion at the Lausitzforum on “driving towards Germany’s First Net-Zero Valley.”
Carl Hans Ulrich Helzer , Managing Partner at the Center for Sustainable Transformation, hosted the discussion. Next to Henrik, the panel participants were: Ralf Brehmer (Mayor of the community of Rietschen), Matthias Ecke (Member of the European Parliament, SPD), Dr. Steffen Kammradt (Managing Director Wirtschaftsförderung Land Brandenburg GmbH), Thomas Horn ( Wirtschftsförderung Sachsen GmbH), Markus Niggemann (Ascociate Stadt Cottbus).
Sharing Rock Tech's perspective on the subject, Henrik focused on the following points:
1. Establishing the Lausitz Region as a Globally Recognized Net-Zero Zone
Rock Tech sees substantial value in transforming Lausitz into a Net-Zero Valley. The Lausitz region has a unique opportunity to achieve international recognition by promoting carbon neutrality and sustainability, making it a compelling investment zone for global companies seeking to align with ambitious climate goals. As a company committed to reducing its carbon footprint, we see this as a necessary evolution for regional competitiveness and a crucial element for our industry as a whole. A well-publicized commitment to sustainability will enhance the visibility of Lausitz on the global stage, attracting businesses and talent committed to driving impactful environmental change.
2. Building the Foundation for Carbon-Neutral Battery Production
Rock Tech’s core operations involve producing lithium hydroxide, a critical component in battery production. For us, operating in a Net-Zero Valley is a pathway to achieving significant emissions reductions within our processes. By 2030, we aim to have commercial applications for 90% of all process by-products/residues, achieve a 50% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions, and use 50% feedstock from recycled materials. Additionally, we envision operating entirely on renewable energy in the long term. Operating in a region prioritizing sustainable infrastructure, renewable energy, and carbon reduction technologies supports those ambitions.
Our focus is also on creating a sustainable supply chain that can meet the demands of globally active automotive manufacturers. The automotive sector increasingly requires suppliers to prioritize CO₂ reductions, and we are committed to meeting this challenge. By collaborating within a region focused on net-zero goals, Rock Tech and other businesses can drive efficiencies, innovations, and improvements in sustainable production methods.
3. Leveraging Renewable Energy and Storage Technologies for a 24/7 Production Cycle
A reliable energy supply is critical for continuous, round-the-clock operations, and the Lausitz region’s abundant renewable energy sources offer a solid foundation for this. However, we recognize that renewable energy alone is insufficient to meet the operational demands of 24/7 production. Energy storage solutions, such as battery storage and Power-to-X technologies—including hydrogen solutions—are vital for solving the intermittency of most renewable energy sources.
At the forum, Henrik emphasized the importance of clustering industries with shared sustainability goals, as this can accelerate technology development, improve efficiencies, and spur collective innovation. For Lausitz to truly become a Net-Zero Valley, the region must foster an environment conducive to clean-tech clustering, where companies can collaborate on advancements in carbon reduction technologies.
4. Building Local Expertise and Strengthening Institutional Support
For Rock Tech, creating a Net-Zero Valley extends beyond just infrastructure—it also involves cultivating a skilled workforce and building institutional knowledge to support advanced technologies. As more companies consider establishing operations in the Lausitz, there is an increasing need to upskill the local labor force and attract new talent from abroad. Additionally, enhancing the expertise within local government agencies will ensure efficient regulatory support and smooth operations for companies pursuing sustainability initiatives.
The Net-Zero Valley model offers Lausitz an opportunity to become a leading example in Europe. In this model, all elements of the net-zero value chain—from raw materials to manufacturing to recycling—can be integrated within a compact geographic cluster. This vision, however, requires competitive positioning as other regions across the globe also strive for leadership in the green economy.
A Global Vision with Local Impact
Rock Tech Lithium’s participation in the LAUSITZFORUM underscored our commitment to advancing sustainable industrial practices within the Lausitz region. We believe that Lausitz, with its pioneering Net-Zero Valley initiative, has the potential to lead Europe and inspire regions worldwide toward climate-neutral industry. As we work toward our sustainability goals, we’re proud to be part of this transformation and look forward to supporting a future where the Lausitz becomes synonymous with innovation, sustainability, and global leadership in the green economy.