Examining the rare-earth elements (REE) supply– demand balance for future global wind power scenarios

摘要

Rare-earth elements (REE) are considered Critical Raw Materials (CRM; EC 2018; US Department of the Interior 2018) and essential in the technological transformation of the energy sector into carbon-free technologies such as wind turbines, electrified transport and LED-lights. The new technologies have led to swiftly expanding markets for REE products, in which China has achieved a monopolistic role in all segments of the REE value chains. Political strategies aimed to establish REE supplies outside China are currently being implemented within the EU and in other Western countries in order to ensure an adequate future REE supply.