Wind
Wind power is a vital part of the global shift to renewable energy. Wind turbines need critical raw materials like boron, dysprosium (HREE), and neodymium (LREE). These materials are crucial for making and running wind turbines efficiently. Extracting, refining, and using these materials involves complex economic, political, and social challenges.
1 Mining
In the first step, raw materials like boron, dysprosium, and neodymium are mined. These are essential for wind turbines to work well. Most of the mining happens in Turkey and China. Turkey is the largest producer of boron, which is used in composite materials to make strong and light turbine blades. China has rich deposits of dysprosium and neodymium, vital for creating powerful magnets in wind turbine generators. While this mining boosts the economies of these countries, it also brings environmental and social challenges that need sustainable solutions.
2 Refining
In the second step, the raw materials are refined. Boron is often sent to refineries in China, where it’s processed into boric acid and other boron compounds. Dysprosium and neodymium are refined both in China and Australia. The rare earth elements are separated and purified during this stage, which is crucial for making effective magnets.
3 Components
In the third step, refined materials are used to make the necessary components. Boron makes composite materials for wind turbine blades stronger and lighter. Dysprosium and neodymium produce permanent magnets in the generators. These high-performance magnets are essential for energy production in wind turbines.
4 Products
Finally, the components are assembled in the fourth step into finished wind turbines. This mainly happens in Europe and China, where the final products are tested and prepared for installation in wind farms worldwide. The completed wind turbine is the result of a global supply chain involving many countries and complex processes.