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Assessing Rare Metal Availability Challenges for Solar Energy Technologies

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  • Leena Grandell

    (VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, P.O. Box 1000, FI-02044 VTT, Espoo 02044, Finland
    Global Energy Systems, Department of Earth Sciences, University of Uppsala, Villavägen 16, Uppsala 75121, Sweden)

  • Mikael Höök

    (Global Energy Systems, Department of Earth Sciences, University of Uppsala, Villavägen 16, Uppsala 75121, Sweden)

Abstract

Solar energy is commonly seen as a future energy source with significant potential. Ruthenium, gallium, indium and several other rare elements are common and vital components of many solar energy technologies, including dye-sensitized solar cells, CIGS cells and various artificial photosynthesis approaches. This study surveys solar energy technologies and their reliance on rare metals such as indium, gallium, and ruthenium. Several of these rare materials do not occur as primary ores, and are found as byproducts associated with primary base metal ores. This will have an impact on future production trends and the availability for various applications. In addition, the geological reserves of many vital metals are scarce and severely limit the potential of certain solar energy technologies. It is the conclusion of this study that certain solar energy concepts are unrealistic in terms of achieving TW scales.

Suggested Citation

  • Leena Grandell & Mikael Höök, 2015. "Assessing Rare Metal Availability Challenges for Solar Energy Technologies," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 7(9), pages 1-20, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:7:y:2015:i:9:p:11818-11837:d:54771
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Choi, Chul Hun & Eun, Joonyup & Cao, Jinjian & Lee, Seokcheon & Zhao, Fu, 2018. "Global strategic level supply planning of materials critical to clean energy technologies – A case study on indium," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 147(C), pages 950-964.
    3. Kim Maya Yavor & Vanessa Bach & Matthias Finkbeiner, 2021. "Resource Assessment of Renewable Energy Systems—A Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(11), pages 1-19, May.
    4. Dongmin Son & Songi Kim & Hyungbin Park & Bongju Jeong, 2018. "Closed-Loop Supply Chain Planning Model of Rare Metals," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(4), pages 1-20, April.
    5. Liang, Yanan & Kleijn, René & Tukker, Arnold & van der Voet, Ester, 2022. "Material requirements for low-carbon energy technologies: A quantitative review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 161(C).
    6. Helbig, Christoph & Bradshaw, Alex M. & Kolotzek, Christoph & Thorenz, Andrea & Tuma, Axel, 2016. "Supply risks associated with CdTe and CIGS thin-film photovoltaics," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 178(C), pages 422-433.
    7. Andrea Molocchi, 2021. "Circular Economy and Environmental Sustainability: A Policy Coherence Analysis of Current Italian Subsidies," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(15), pages 1-38, July.
    8. Davidsson, Simon & Höök, Mikael, 2017. "Material requirements and availability for multi-terawatt deployment of photovoltaics," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 108(C), pages 574-582.
    9. Harjanne, Atte & Korhonen, Janne M., 2019. "Abandoning the concept of renewable energy," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 127(C), pages 330-340.

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