The most used metals in energy storage

What are some other metals used in clean-energy production?

Many other metals are used to a larger or smaller extent in clean-energy production and low-carbon technology. Reports from both the US Department of Energy and the European Union have labelled REEs, cobalt and several others as critical materials, based on their importance to clean energy, high supply risk and lack of substitutes.

Which metals are used in low-carbon technology?

Several metals are crucial for low-carbon technology. Cobalt, lithium, neodymium, manganese, nickel, and copper are among the key metals used in these technologies, as shown by their spot prices from 1990 onwards (for some metals) in dry metric tonne units (dmtu).

What metals are crucial for a low-carbon future?

A low-carbon future would see strong demand for a wide range of base and precious metals, including cobalt, lithium, REEs, aluminum, silver, steel, nickel, lead, and zinc.

What materials are used in lithium ion batteries?

Cobalt, a silver-grey metal produced mainly as a byproduct of copper and nickel mining, is an essential component of the cathode in lithium-ion batteries. Nickel is another ingredient needed for batteries and is expected to form an ever-larger proportion of future batteries.

What are some uses of rare-earth metals?

Rare-earth metals, also known as rare-earth elements (REEs), are a group of 17 chemically similar elements. Each has unique properties, making them important components for a range of technologies from low-energy lighting and catalytic converters to the magnets used in wind turbines, EVs and computer hard-drives.

Which metals are needed for battery packs by 2030?

Battery packs will require less than 1% of the known reserves of lithium, nickel, manganese and copper up to 2030, and 4% of cobalt reserves according to BNEF.