Rare earth elements (REEs) have become vital to the clean energy and electric vehicle (EV) markets and are in rapidly increasing demand due to global clean energy initiatives. The US Department of Energy has identified a number of rare earth metals as critical in the short and medium term including dysprosium and neodymium - materials used in rechargeable batteries and electric motors. China, supplying approximately 95% of global REE sources, has recently announced an additional 35% decrease in REE exports. In this discussion we will examine how shortages in REEs affect the solar, wind and electric vehicle markets.

Impact on Clean Technologies:
•  What components of solar, wind energy  and electric vehicle technologies require REEs?
•  Which elements are crucial to these technologies and where are they sourced from?

•  What are the short and long-term effects of current REEs shortages on these markets?

Compensating for REE Shortages
•    What contingency plans have companies implemented to counter the shortages?
•    In diversifying supply chains, what alternative channels are being used to procure REEs?
•    What technologies are available to facilitate extraction of REEs to increase domestic supplies?

   Where is there opportunity now for alternative technologies in the face of REE Shortages?

Speakers:

United States Magnetic Materials Association (USMMA), Ed Richardson, President

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Dr. Michael Woodhouse, Solar PV Technologies and Economics Analyst

For more information, contact Rudy.Marco@agrion.org.