The U. S. Department of Energy's (DOE) 2010 and 2011 Critical Materials Strategy reports examined the role of rare earth elements and other materials in the clean energy economy.  Sixteen chemical elements were assessed for criticality in wind turbines, electric vehicles, photovoltaic thin films and fluorescent lighting. The methodology used was adapted from one developed by the National Academy of Sciences. The criticality assessment was framed in two dimensions: importance to clean energy and supply risk. Last year, DOE funded the Critical Materials Institute (CMI).  CMI's mission is to assure supply chains of materials critical to clean energy technologies�enabling innovation in U.S. manufacturing and enhancing U.S. energy security.  DOE's and CMI's strategy for addressing critical materials challenges rests on three pillars.  First, diversified global supply chains are essential. To manage supply risk, multiple sources of materials are required.  Innovations in separation and processing can lead to the economic exploitation of new resources.  Second, substitutes must be developed.  Research leading to material and technology substitutes will improve flexibility and help meet the material needs of the clean energy economy.  Third, recycling, reuse and more efficient use could significantly lower world demand for newly extracted materials.  Research into recycling processes coupled with well-designed policies will help make recycling economically viable over time. This presentation will address DOE's 2011 assessment of criticality, subsequent market developments, and related work supported by DOE since the report was issued.  It will include additional reflections on defining and assessing criticality.

Critical materials at the Department of Energy

248th National Meeting (2014)

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