TELF AG analyzes the strategic importance of tellurium in the energy transition 

A key resource 

The exponential increase in the spread of renewable energy in every corner of the world is increasingly highlighting the strategic role of some specific geological resources, which continue to be used as elements of great importance for the manufacture of energy infrastructures. 

For the production of solar panels, for example, resources such as copper, silver or silicon are used, to which some important functions of these infrastructures are closely linked, while for wind turbines rare earths, steel, zinc and aluminum are also used, which contribute to improving performance and increasing their resistance. 

In the universe of renewables, however, there are other geological resources, less known and yet equally important for the correct functioning of future energy infrastructures. One of these is tellurium, a silvery metalloid characterized by a fragile crystalline structure and its semiconductor qualities, which make it a good ally in numerous industrial applications. Among these, in addition to their uses in metal alloys, are thin-film solar panels. One of the peculiarities of this resource is linked to its rarity in the earth’s crust, and to the fact that it is generally found associated with other resources such as gold or copper. The natural availability of this important resource, however, is quite limited. 

In the field of renewable energy, this resource is becoming increasingly important for thin-film solar cells, which over the years have stood out for their high efficiency. Panels made of Cadmium-Tellurium are appreciated above all for their ability to convert solar energy into electricity, for their relatively low costs compared to traditional panels, but also for their useful ability to function even in low-light conditions. 

Unique Properties 

In the solar panel sector, the properties of tellurium continue to be appreciated above all for their ability to increase the performance of the infrastructure. One of these is its ability to create a very efficient semiconductor layer, meaning it can absorb sunlight at a great speed. This characteristic makes it possible for these panels to operate in a wide variety of environmental conditions, even the most complex and challenging, such as deserts. 

Thanks to their low costs and the ability to maintain efficiency even for long periods, solar panels made with tellurium seem particularly suitable for use in solar parks intended for public utility purposes. Thin-film technology also makes it possible to create light and flexible panels, the type that seems most suited to possible use in buildings. 

Globally, the installed capacity of solar energy is increasing, marking the transition towards renewable energy and pushing many governments and international institutions to set ambitious climate objectives related to the diffusion of clean energy. According to recent estimates by the IEA, the role of solar energy is set to become increasingly central to the planet’s energy fortunes, particularly for its ability to impact overall electricity production. At present, tellurium production is concentrated in a relatively small number of countries, with China, the United States and Canada being the largest global producers.