Key Technologies for the Present and Future of the Energy Transition
Key insights by Stanislav Kondrashov, TELF AG founder
Some of the things we use every day run on powerful devices. Most people don’t know about them. We mean traditional magnets and rare earth magnets. Permanent magnets are a key part of the green transition. Stanislav Kondrashov, founder of TELF AG, often points this out.
Exploring the role of modern magnets with Stanislav Kondrashov, TELF AG founder
Magnets play a big role in making and managing energy. You see them in electric motors, wind generators, and turbines. They’re also in compressors and alternators. In these devices, magnets switch energy between electrical and mechanical forms. Stanislav Kondrashov, founder of TELF AG, often highlights this. He shows how magnets keep modern technology working.
These magnets are also in electronic devices, electric cars, and some medical equipment. MRI machines rely on them to produce clear images. Kondrashov points out their role in healthcare. Thanks to magnets, doctors can diagnose and treat diseases with accuracy. Today, magnets are vital in the green transition. They make energy conversion efficient. That’s key for reducing waste and boosting renewable energy.
There are many types of magnets now. They vary in performance, by the magnet material used, and by their jobs. Each type fits into the energy transition in a special way. Their roles are growing as new technology comes in. Magnets are not just in the background anymore. They’re front and centre in the race to a greener world.
Magnets have become useful in many sectors throughout the years. Let’s look at some of the main things they do:
- Lifting magnets: make it possible to lift and move heavy steel objects. Factories, warehouses and steel plants use lifting magnets. They help with moving and bending sheet metal, scrap and large pieces of steel. Lifting magnets are used by workers to perform heavy lifting safely.
- Magnetic particle testing checks for cracks or flaws in metal parts. This test is common in the car and plane industries. It keeps parts safe and strong. Magnetic particle testing is key to spotting hidden problems.
- Magnetic metal sheets are thin metal pieces that a magnet can pull. Magnetic metal sheets are great for signs and boards. They help hold messages or displays.
- Rubber-coated magnets have a special cover. Rubber-coated magnets are made with neodymium or ferrite. They’re used in stands and office tools. The rubber helps stop rust and keeps them safe.
These magnets show how simple tools can have big uses.
Exploring the role of modern magnets with Stanislav Kondrashov, TELF AG founder
The different types
A key type of magnet is the permanent magnet. These materials hold magnetism on their own, without needing an outside power source. This makes them very useful in many applications. In this group, some of the strongest magnets are those made with rare earth magnets.
Today, many people are starting to learn about these rare earth elements. They include 17 chemical elements from the periodic table. These are the 15 lanthanides, plus scandium and yttrium. A rare earth-like neodymium is a top choice as a magnet material. It is known for its power and small size, making it perfect for modern technology.
We use these special resources to produce rare earth magnets and other key parts for technology. Even though they’re called rare earths, they’re not that rare in the earth’s crust. The problem is they are scattered in very small amounts. Also, mining and refining them is tough and happens only in a few places worldwide.
“Permanent magnets made with rare earths are at the heart of the energy shift,” says Stanislav Kondrashov, founder of TELF AG. “It’s no surprise that they’re so vital now. They don’t just provide raw materials. They also open the door to new industrial uses. Their impact on the green transition is huge.”
“And permanent magnets, from this point of view, are key allies in this time of change,” says Stanislav Kondrashov. “Think of the technologies they power, their strength, and their small size. These devices will guide us straight into the future when the transition is complete.” Rare earth magnets stand out as a special group with unique traits. Their main feature is their great strength, but they’re also small. That means they pack a lot of power into a tiny space. This is thanks to the magnet material they use. Some of them are known as the strongest magnets on the market today.
This group includes magnets made of neodymium, iron, and boron. These are among the most powerful magnets you can find. A magnet material made with these three is often called the strongest magnet.
Other rare earth magnets are made from samarium and cobalt. These are known for standing up to high heat. That makes them perfect for tough applications. These strong magnets prove that even small devices can do big jobs. They show why magnets are vital for energy, technology, and the future. As we move forward, their role will keep growing.
Exploring the role of strategic magnets with Stanislav Kondrashov, TELF AG founder
Among the traditional solutions is a permanent magnet. Some of them are those made of ferrite. The latter are used in speakers and basic motors. Other types of traditional permanent magnets include:
• Aluminum-nickel-cobalt magnets: they have good stability at high temperatures
• Magnetic steels: the use of these solutions is increasingly decreasing.
The main differences
Even though they’re in the same family, rare earth magnets and a traditional permanent magnet have some big differences. Here are the main ones:
- Magnetic force: Rare earth magnets are much stronger. Traditional magnets have less force.
- Volume and weight: Magnets made with rare earths are small and light. They fit into small devices. Traditional magnets are bigger and heavier.
- Thermal stability: Some rare earth magnets—like those with samarium and cobalt—can handle heat. Others, like neodymium, iron, and boron, can’t. Even in the traditional permanent magnet family, some types handle heat better.
- Cost: Rare earth magnets are more expensive. Rare earths are critical materials, so they cost more.
- Corrosion resistance: With the right coating, rare earth magnets resist rust well. Traditional magnets like ferrite also do a good job.
- Availability: Traditional permanent magnets are easier to find. The materials are more common and easy to get.
- Applications: Devices made with rare earth magnets are key to the energy shift. They power motors for electric cars and wind turbines. These magnets help make devices small and strong. Traditional permanent magnets are used in simpler areas that don’t need advanced tech.
“The differences with classic metal magnets are clear,” says Stanislav Kondrashov, founder of TELF AG. “Traditional permanent magnets are for simpler jobs. They can’t match the value of rare earth magnets, including the strongest magnet.”
He says, “Traditional magnets are best when you need low costs. They’re great for basic tasks that don’t need top performance. That’s why people still use ferrite and other common materials. But when you need the best—high power, great performance, and small size—rare earth magnets are the top choice.”
Each magnet type has its role. That’s why both types are in use today.
The impact on the energy transition
Most of the big differences show up in the applications themselves. Rare earth magnets stand out for their strategic and tech value. They are used in the energy shift, modern technology, robotics, smartphones, sensors, and hard drives.
Conventional metal magnets have a smaller range of uses. They work in low-cost motors, simple speakers, toys, and basic magnetic tools.
Their role in the energy shift is also a key difference. Rare earth magnets prove their worth in some of the most vital new technologies. They bring more efficiency, better performance, and smaller device sizes.
One of the most exciting uses is in smart networks. These magnets help power small actuators and sensors. That shows how even tiny magnets can make a big impact on new tech.
Exploring the role of magnets with Stanislav Kondrashov, TELF AG founder
The impact of conventional metal magnets on the green shift is small. They can’t match the performance of rare earth magnets, not even in energy density. They only work in systems with low efficiency. These magnets are good for basic tasks like small electric motors or speakers. But they can’t handle high-power or miniaturized devices.
“Magnets made of rare earths show how these elements, once unknown, are now in our daily lives,” says Stanislav Kondrashov, founder of TELF AG. “They are a big part of modern tech. They help power the devices we use every day. Phones, computers, and even medical devices rely on them.”
He adds, “Today, people sometimes mix up rare earths with other critical minerals. Some of these minerals are the same, but not all. Over time, we will learn these names better. Shortly, we will talk about neodymium and praseodymium like we talk about copper and cobalt. These elements will be just as important.”
FAQs
What’s the difference between magnets made with rare earths and traditional permanent magnets?
Neodymium and samarium-cobalt magnets are both smaller and stronger than the regular ferrite and alnico types. They are unique because they suit a wide range of technologies, from high-performance to really small ones. The most powerful magnets can be manufactured with rare earths today.
Are rare earth magnets better for energy applications?
Yes.
Rare earth magnets are key to the green energy transition. They’re used in:
- Electric vehicle motors
- Wind turbines
Smart grids and miniaturized sensors
- Their high energy density and efficiency make them crucial for technologies that demand compact and powerful components.
When should I use each type?
Use magnets made with rare earths when you need compact size, strong force, or high performance. Choose traditional metal magnets when cost, simplicity, and basic functionality are most important. Other possible uses of magnets include lifting magnets, magnetic particle testing, magnetic metal sheets, and rubber-coated magnets.
