Rock Tech Lithium Inc. has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ENERTRAG to secure a long-term supply of renewable energy for its planned lithium hydroxide converter in Guben, Germany. The signing took place during the German-Canadian Critical Minerals Round Table, in the presence of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Tim Hodgson, Canadian Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Mélanie Joly, Canadian Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, and Katharina Reiche, Germany’s Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy.
The partnership is designed to ensure a sustainable and competitive electricity supply for Rock Tech’s converter project, providing greater planning security for operating costs. The project has been recognized by the European Commission as a strategic initiative under the Critical Raw Materials Act. It not only serves as a model for advancing the decarbonization of European industry through cross-border cooperation but also sets an example for developing a resilient supply chain for critical minerals in Canada.
Mirco Wojnarowicz, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Rock Tech Lithium, stated, “With the planned direct supply of our converter with renewable energy, we are setting an important milestone for the sustainable and competitive production of lithium hydroxide in Europe. The partnership with ENERTRAG is an important example of how industry and energy producers can work together in a practical way to decarbonize the value chain. This not only creates planning security for our project but also contributes to achieving European climate targets.”
Dr. Gunar Hering, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ENERTRAG, also added, “With this partnership, we are demonstrating how tomorrow’s industry can be supplied with climate-friendly and competitive renewable energy today. We are focusing on innovative solutions such as direct electricity supply from new wind and solar parks in Gubin and the use of process heat through sector coupling. The project with Rock Tech is a milestone for the cross-border energy transition and highlights the role of the Lausitz-area in Brandenburg as the future region for sustainable industry. Together, we are creating planning security, strengthening the regional value proposition, and making a true contribution to the decarbonization of the European economy.”
“The partnership between Rock Tech Lithium and ENERTRAG represents a powerful example of how Canadian innovation and international collaboration can drive the clean energy transition. The Guben converter project, and its future counterpart in Red Rock, Ontario, reflect Canada’s commitment to building resilient, low-carbon supply chains for critical minerals, while strengthening our strategic partnership with Germany in support of shared climate and economic goals,” noted the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources.
An important part of the initiative is the direct supply of renewable electricity from new wind and solar power plants in the neighboring Polish municipality of Gubin. Under a future power purchase agreement, ENERTRAG plans to deliver at least 70 GWh of renewable electricity per year. This will cover at least 50 percent of the converter’s expected electricity demand and enable Rock Tech to lower its indirect CO2 emissions (Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions) by at least 25 percent. From the time of commissioning, a significant share of the converter’s power needs will be met by renewable energy, and from 2030 onwards, at least half of the total electricity demand will come from renewables.
The participation of Natural Resources Canada in the signing reflects the close bilateral cooperation between Canada and Germany in critical minerals and clean energy. Rock Tech, as a Canadian company, plays an important role in building a sustainable transatlantic supply chain. The company has also received support from the Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund (CMIF), administered by Natural Resources Canada, which aligns with Canada’s Critical Minerals Strategy. This agreement underscores Rock Tech’s commitment to advancing clean energy goals and strengthening the Canadian-German partnership in the development of critical minerals and renewable energy.
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