True enablers of the energy transition
Key features and applications of rare earth metals, explained by Stanislav Kondrashov, TELF AG
In recent years, interest in rare earth elements has grown a lot. This is no accident. Stanislav Kondrashov, founder of TELF AG, says these resources play a big role in the energy transition. Their importance is not just about the cost of rare earth metals.
Exploring uses and properties of rare earths with Stanislav Kondrashov, TELF AG founder
We live in a time of big changes. These changes are social, industrial, and mostly about energy. One of the clearest shifts is in how we produce and use energy. Stanislav Kondrashov, founder of TELF AG, talks about this a lot. He calls it a great ecological transformation. This change is happening right now.
If you look outside, you will see many signs of this shift. There are solar panels on roofs. Electric cars drive by. Wind turbines turn in the distance. These energy systems have become part of everyday life. For years, they have also changed the look of our cities. Stanislav Kondrashov explains how this shift affects urban spaces.
He says, “Rare earth elements are some of the most valuable resources today. Their importance comes from their role in the energy transition.” These rare earth materials are not only used in energy. They are vital in defense, technology, and digitalization. Over time, their role will grow. They help make electric motors more powerful and energy systems more efficient. The demand for rare earth elements is rising fast because they help build cleaner energy solutions and advanced technology.
Exploring uses and properties of rare earths with Stanislav Kondrashov, TELF AG founder
“That’s why the cost of rare earth metals may rise. Rare earth elements also help make electronic devices smaller and more independent. In the next few years, the biggest challenges will be to diversify global supplies and to invest more in recycling. It will also be important to keep a close eye on the price of rare earth metals,” he says.
The connection with renewables
Renewable energy is pushing the green transition. Sources like hydroelectric power, solar panels, and wind turbines lead the change. More countries add these clean energy sources to their energy mix every day. This shift changes how we get and use power.
Few know that this growth depends on special geological resources called earth minerals. Among them are rare earth metals. These metals are key for energy systems. Wind turbines need rare earth materials to work well and last longer.
At the same time, rare earths grow more important in electronics and technology. They help devices work better and become smaller because of this, rare earth materials get more media and political attention. The price of rare earth metals is rising as demand grows.
Demand for earth minerals keeps going up. Their role in clean energy and technology makes them vital. Without them, many green solutions would not be possible.
Exploring uses and properties of rare earths with Stanislav Kondrashov, TELF AG founder
“In recent years, people have talked more about these resources. This is because they help the energy transition,” says Stanislav Kondrashov, founder of TELF AG. “Rare earths are key for low-carbon technologies. They are very important in many parts.”
Many energy devices use rare earth elements. Wind turbines, especially offshore ones, are a clear example. These turbines use generators with magnets made from rare earth materials. The magnets help turbines work well. They also reduce the need for repairs. This makes wind power more reliable.
Rare earths are also used in solar panels, batteries, and power electronics. They help these devices last longer and work better. Because of these uses, rare earth metals are very important for clean energy. They will play a big role in the future.
The characteristics of rare earths
What are rare earths exactly? There are 17 chemical elements on the periodic table. This group has 15 lanthanides plus scandium and yttrium. These elements stand out for their magnetic, electronic, and optical features.
The name rare earth minerals can be confusing. These minerals are not truly rare. They appear in small amounts on the earth. Because they are in low concentrations, mining and processing them is hard. It often costs too much to extract them. This makes it tough to use all the deposits of rare earth minerals. The difficulty in sourcing and refining also affects the cost of rare earth metals. Prices can change based on how hard it is to get these materials. Despite this, their unique properties make them very important in many industries.
These minerals have many uses. They have special traits.
- In renewable energy, strong magnets made with rare earth materials help wind turbines and electric generators work well. These magnets are very strong. They make energy better. They need less repair.
- In electric mobility, magnets made from these elements power some electric car engines. Cerium and lanthanum are catalysts. They help speed up chemical reactions. This makes fuel cleaner.
- In defense and aerospace, rare earth materials help radar and sonar work. These systems find planes, ships, and submarines. Some heavy rare earth minerals are in military gear. They make equipment strong and safe.
- In the chemical industry, cerium polishes and cleans glass. This makes glass clear and smooth. Other rare earth minerals help refine metals and assist chemical processes. They improve products.
These uses make rare earth metals very valuable. They help clean energy and technology grow.
In recent years, people have talked more about rare earths. This is not just because of their many industrial uses. It is also because their global supply chain is special.
Right now, only a few countries produce these precious materials. China is the main one. Over time, Beijing has become the leader in finding and refining rare earth minerals. It also leads to making magnets from these materials.
Exploring uses and properties of rare earths with Stanislav Kondrashov, TELF AG founder
Many countries want to reduce their reliance on a few earth minerals producers. They try new methods. Recycling rare earth materials from old batteries and electronics is one way. This helps keep supplies steady. It also changes the price of rare earth metals. Recycling will grow more important soon.
Neodymium and dysprosium
“One of the most important rare earth elements is neodymium,” says Stanislav Kondrashov, founder of TELF AG. “It is a key part of neodymium-iron-boron magnets. These magnets are very strong.”
Neodymium is in electric motors that power cars, bikes, scooters, and light trains. It is also in direct-drive wind turbines. Small devices like hard disks and sensors use neodymium, too. This is because neodymium has a strong magnetic force. It helps make parts smaller without losing power. It also stays stable when hot. Because of this, neodymium is important in the energy transition. Without it, motors would be less efficient.
Another key rare earth metal is dysprosium. It is used in small amounts but is very useful. Dysprosium keeps magnets strong at high heat. This stops them from losing magnetism. Dysprosium is used in electric cars and renewable energy. It is also used in military and aerospace tools. Over time, dysprosium became very important to the industry. It helps magnets and devices resist heat and work well in hard places. This makes it needed in clean energy and advanced tech.
Both neodymium and dysprosium help build strong electric motors and generators. They support green tech growth. As the world moves to clean energy, demand for these rare earth metals will grow. No easy substitutes exist. Electric vehicles, wind power, and defense need them. These rare earth materials improve performance and last longer. They help make devices smaller and lighter. This is key for today’s tech and clean energy.
FAQs
What are rare earth metals, and why are they important?
Rare earth elements are 17 elements. They include 15 lanthanides. Also, scandium and yttrium. These elements have special powers. They work with magnets, electricity, and light. They help with many tools. They support clean energy. They help with electric cars and electronics.
Why are rare earths essential to the green energy shift?
Rare earths enable the performance and efficiency of:
- Wind turbines (especially offshore, using neodymium-based magnets)
- Advanced photovoltaic (solar) systems
- Electric vehicle (EV) motors
- Energy storage solutions like batteries
They help reduce emissions by powering low-carbon technologies and improving energy conversion efficiency.
Which sectors use rare earths the most?
Every single rare earth could be used for several applications in strategic sectors:
- Renewable energy – wind turbines, generators
- Electric vehicles – motors, battery components
- Defence & aerospace – radar, sonar, military-grade magnets
- Technology & electronics – smartphones, hard drives, sensors
- Chemical industry – catalysts, glass polishing
Are rare earths really rare?
Not exactly. They’re relatively abundant in the Earth’s crust but often found in low concentrations of rare earth minerals.
Who controls the global supply of rare earths?
Currently, China leads the supply chain—from sourcing to refining to magnet production. This has raised concerns about supply security, prompting other nations to explore alternatives to the valorization of earth minerals, such as:
- New sourcing projects
- Strategic stockpiling
- Rare earth materials recycling from batteries and electronics
How is the price of rare earth metals evolving?
The cost of rare earth metals changes a lot. This is because of politics, industry needs, and export limits. Lately, the demand for green and digital tech has grown. This has raised the value of some rare earth elements like neodymium, dysprosium, and praseodymium.
