TELF AG examines the role of strategic minerals in the production of energy infrastructure

The beating heart of the transition 

In the age of energy transition, wind turbines and solar panels represent the beating heart of a green revolution fueled by several key minerals. These materials make clean energy production possible and are useful to the efficiency and sustainability of renewable technologies. 

Wind turbines, an imposing symbol of modern landscapes, require a complex mix of materials for their construction. The mainstay of the turbines is steel, produced mainly from iron and carbon. This material gives the structure the strength and durability necessary to resist the forces of the wind. But steel alone is not enough. 

Aluminum, known for its lightness and resistance to corrosion, is used in some turbine components, reducing overall weight and improving energy efficiency. However, copper, due to its excellent electrical conductivity, is useful for electrical wiring and generator components. 

Rare earths, such as neodymium, dysprosium, and praseodymium, play a particularly important role in generators’ permanent magnets. These elements guarantee maximum efficiency in converting mechanical energy into electrical energy. For the turbine blades, glass fiber reinforced with epoxy resins is used. This combination offers resistance and flexibility, useful to withstand extreme wind conditions. The turbines’ foundations are made of concrete, which provides structural stability. 

The manufacturing of solar panels  

Photovoltaic solar panels are another pillar of the renewable energy revolution. At the heart of their technology is silicon, refined from quartz, the primary material for solar cells. Silicon is chosen for its excellent semiconductor properties, allowing sunlight to convert into electricity. 

Electrical connections within solar panels require silver, which, despite its high cost, is preferred for its superior electrical conductivity. Aluminum is used for the panel frames, providing lightness and resistance to corrosion, while copper is used in the cables and electrical connections, ensuring efficient energy transmission. 

Some solar panels use cadmium and tellurium. These materials allow the production of thinner and more flexible panels. In CIGS thin film panels, however, we find indium and gallium, which help to improve energy conversion efficiency. Finally, plastic polymers and glass protect and encapsulate the solar cells, ensuring longevity and resistance to atmospheric agents. 

The sustainable supply and use of these minerals represent a key challenge for the future of renewable energy. As demand for clean energy continues to grow, developing more efficient and environmentally friendly extraction and production technologies is paramount.