Assessing Rare Metal Availability Challenges for Solar Energy Technologies

Leena Grandell and Mikael Höök
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Leena Grandell: VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, P.O. Box 1000, FI-02044 VTT, Espoo 02044, Finland
Mikael Höök: Global Energy Systems, Department of Earth Sciences, University of Uppsala, Villavägen 16, Uppsala 75121, Sweden

Sustainability, 2015, vol. 7, issue 9, 1-20

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.

Keywords: solar energy; solar cells; rare metals; material constraints (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2015
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (12)

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