Lithium as a Building Block of the German Energy Transition: Challenges for Rural Regions in Central Germany
Daniela Schimming Presse- und Öffentlichkeitsarbeit
Leibniz-Institut für Agrarentwicklung in Transformationsökonomien (IAMO)
The Leibniz Institute of Agricultural Development in Transition Economies (IAMO) and Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU), together with the Institute for Technologies and Economics of Lithium (ITEL), are launching the interdisciplinary research project “A Study of Societal Acceptance Factors for the Lithium Value Chain in Central Germany” (LITHIUM_AKZEPTANZ). The project focuses on an independent, academic analysis of the factors shaping public acceptance of the lithium value chain in Central Germany – a key and critical raw material for the energy transition in Germany and Europe.
Lithium is a central component in the production of batteries and is therefore essential for reducing carbon dioxide emissions in transport and energy supply. Given Europe’s dependence on imports and growing geopolitical uncertainties, regional extraction and processing of lithium are becoming increasingly important. The project examines how lithium mining and processing in Central Germany can be designed in a socially responsible, environmentally sound and economically viable manner, and which factors influence societal acceptance.
“The transformation towards a climate-neutral economy can only succeed if the regions concerned are brought along. We want to understand which expectations, concerns and values come together there and how viable solutions can emerge from them,” say Prof. Dr. Vladislav Valentinov (Project Lead) and Associate Professor Dr. Stefan Hielscher (Project Coordinator) at IAMO.
“Raw material resilience does not only mean becoming less dependent on global supply chains, but also using regional potential responsibly and in harmony with society, the environment and the economy,” explains Dr. Felix Schultz, Project Lead at MLU.
Lithium extraction holds potential for regional value creation and the development of rural areas. At the same time, it poses challenges with regard to environmental impacts, land-use conflicts and concerns about residents’ quality of life. The project analyses how different stakeholder groups – from citizens and companies to local policymakers – perceive lithium mining and regional lithium value creation, and which conditions are necessary for trust, dialogue and meaningful participation.
In its research, the interdisciplinary team combines academic expertise with practical dialogue work on the ground. Through interviews, workshops and discussion events, actors from civil society, public administration, business and academia will be brought together to jointly develop perspectives for responsible raw material extraction and processing. Key themes include structural change and rural development, environmental factors and sustainability, as well as opportunities for business and employment in Central Germany.
The research project “A Study of Societal Acceptance Factors for the Lithium Value Chain in Central Germany” (LITHIUM_AKZEPTANZ) is implemented by the Leibniz Institute of Agricultural Development in Transition Economies (IAMO) and Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU), Chair/Area of Business Ethics, as consortium partners, with the Institute for Technologies and Economics of Lithium (ITEL) participating as an associated partner. The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE). Project sponsor is Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH (PT-J). The project is planned to run from November 2025 to October 2028.
Further information about the project is available on the project website: https://www.iamo.de/en/research/research-projects/details/lithium-akzeptanz
About IAMO
The Leibniz Institute of Agricultural Development in Transition Economies (IAMO) analyses economic, social and political processes of change in the agricultural and food sector, and in rural areas. The geographic focus covers the enlarging EU, transition regions of Central, Eastern and South Eastern Europe, as well as Central and Eastern Asia. IAMO works to enhance the understanding of institutional, structural and technological changes. Moreover, IAMO studies the resulting impacts on the agricultural and food sector as well as the living conditions of rural populations. The outcomes of our work are used to derive and analyse strategies and options for enterprises, agricultural markets and politics. Since its founding in 1994, IAMO has been part of the Leibniz Association, a German community of independent research institutes.
Leibniz Institute of Agricultural Development in Transition Economies (IAMO)
Theodor-Lieser-Str. 2
06120 Halle (Saale)
Germany
More information:
https://www.iamo.de/en/press/press-releases/article/lithium-as-a-building-block-…
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