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Clean energy modes can ultimately result in reduction of special natural resources

The impact of low emission, clean energy is all well and good, when judged from only its final applicable form. However, in a startling revelation from a comprehensive study done by MIT, it was found that the overall resource intensive scope of clean energy modes can ultimately result in scarcity of some of our specific natural supplies.

lean energy could lead to scarce materials

How so? Well, there are several examples of green technology utilizing specialized components for its efficient application. For example, we have previously harped about how worldwide wind power capacity has jumped to 193 GW. However, the wind turbines in themselves use magnets to operate, which in turn utilizes a rare earth element named neodymium. Even, when it comes to the composition of electric vehicular motor, another rare earth element dysprosium is used.

Taking solid figures into account, a typical 3.5 MW rated large wind turbine can consume around 600 kgs, or about 1,300 lbs, of rare earth metal. And, in case of EVs, the lightweight batteries and motors can take up to 10 times more rare earth materials than a conventional vehicle. So in an expansive ambit, these figures translate to around 2,600 percent increase in demand for dysprosium, and 700 percent increase in demand for neodymium.

Now, the real problem is not with the rising demand, but it is intrinsically related to such specific resource’s limited availability. In the current circumstance, China is by far the world’s largest exporter of rare earth materials, accounting for at least 98 percent of the total global production. This means there is a geographically denominated monopoly when it comes to meeting the demand; which in the long term can only spell doom for future availability.

In this regard, the scientists have clarified that the ‘green and clean’ industry will thrive for a few years based upon such existing technology. But, when the scope of future comes into question, we do have to adapt newer alternative systems for fueling our next generation sustainable endeavors.

Via: MIT

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