Clean energies are characterised by the fact that they do not use fossil fuels, but resources that are capable of unlimited renewal. Therefore, the environmental impact is of lesser magnitude, given that in addition to not using finite resources, they do not generate pollutants.
THE MINERALS OF THE ENERGY TRANSITION
There are some minerals and raw materials that renewables such as wind and solar energy need for wind turbines or solar panels to generate electricity with less impact on the planet. What are they? Nickel, platinum, silver, aluminium and copper.
Niquel (Ni): is one of the most sought-after minerals in recent years. This mineral has become so important that in 2022 its price rose by 43%. It plays a key role in the chemical compositions of batteries for energy storage. It also plays a key role in the automotive industry as it is the main component of batteries in electric vehicles.
Platinum (Pt): This material is used as a catalyst in all kinds of automobiles. It is very effective in converting vehicle engine emissions into less harmful waste products. This metal will also play an important role in increasing hydrogen production, which is essential to meet the EU’s new plans.
Silver (Ag): Silver is a precious metal with physical properties that make it suitable as a raw material for many industries, especially the energy industry. It is expected that by 2050, more than 95% of the increase in plant consumption in the energy sector will be due to the increase in solar photovoltaic installations. Silver is not only used in solar panels but also in wind turbines.
Aluminium (Al): its use is essential in solar panels, wind turbines, hydroelectric power plants and also in the electricity transmission and storage networks and infrastructures themselves. The reason why aluminium is present in clean energy is due to its unrivalled lightness, corrosion resistance and durability. It is used in the manufacture of solar panels, frames and structures. In wind energy, it is often found in rotor cores, mechanism covers, transformers, structural components and even ladders.
Copper (Cu): is another basic mineral in many sectors. Clean energies such as solar, hydro and wind power are based on copper, among other materials. And so are the electricity grids themselves and the batteries and other components of electric cars. It is also present in construction, transport equipment and consumer products.
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