TEST
Non-ferrous metals in 'green' energy
Nornickel's plants mine nickel, palladium, copper and platinum and are going to embark on lithium soon. These metals are crucial for the clean energy development process. For example, no battery or EV charging station can be made without them. Hear from us how metals mined by Nornickel's companies are applied in green energy.
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Why is nickel required for producing batteries for electric vehicles?
Nickel is a key component in the production of electric vehicle batteries. It takes 65.8 kg of nickel with a purity of at least 99.8% to make one 100 kWh battery.
The higher the nickel content in a battery's cathodes, the higher its energy capacity. This means that the car will travel more kilometers per one charge.
Batteries will account for 41% of global nickel demand by 2030. In 2021, this figure was only 7%. Nornickel ranks second in terms of high-grade nickel output in the world. Its output in 2023 totaled 208.57 thousand tonnes of the metal.
The higher the nickel content in a battery's cathodes, the higher its energy capacity. This means that the car will travel more kilometers per one charge.
Batteries will account for 41% of global nickel demand by 2030. In 2021, this figure was only 7%. Nornickel ranks second in terms of high-grade nickel output in the world. Its output in 2023 totaled 208.57 thousand tonnes of the metal.
Nickel is a key component in the production of electric vehicle batteries. It takes 65.8 kg of nickel with a purity of at least 99.8% to make one 100 kWh battery.
The higher the nickel content in a battery's cathodes, the higher its energy capacity. This means that the car will travel more kilometers per one charge.
Batteries will account for 41% of global nickel demand by 2030. In 2021, this figure was only 7%. Nornickel ranks second in terms of high-grade nickel output in the world. Its output in 2023 totaled 208.57 thousand tonnes of the metal.
The higher the nickel content in a battery's cathodes, the higher its energy capacity. This means that the car will travel more kilometers per one charge.
Batteries will account for 41% of global nickel demand by 2030. In 2021, this figure was only 7%. Nornickel ranks second in terms of high-grade nickel output in the world. Its output in 2023 totaled 208.57 thousand tonnes of the metal.
Nickel is a key component in the production of electric vehicle batteries. It takes 65.8 kg of nickel with a purity of at least 99.8% to make one 100 kWh battery.
The higher the nickel content in a battery's cathodes, the higher its energy capacity. This means that the car will travel more kilometers per one charge.
Batteries will account for 41% of global nickel demand by 2030. In 2021, this figure was only 7%. Nornickel ranks second in terms of high-grade nickel output in the world. Its output in 2023 totaled 208.57 thousand tonnes of the metal.
The higher the nickel content in a battery's cathodes, the higher its energy capacity. This means that the car will travel more kilometers per one charge.
Batteries will account for 41% of global nickel demand by 2030. In 2021, this figure was only 7%. Nornickel ranks second in terms of high-grade nickel output in the world. Its output in 2023 totaled 208.57 thousand tonnes of the metal.
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Which area of green energy most notably benefits from the use of palladium?
Palladium absorbs hydrogen 90 times its own weight. This makes the metal indispensable for hydrogen energy. It makes hydrogen production cheaper and more efficient. Hydrogen is considered the fuel of the future. It does not generate harmful substances emitted into the atmosphere. Refueling a car takes only 3 to 5 minutes and hydrogen fuel is 80% more efficient and cheaper than gasoline.
Hydrogen is produced by electrolysis in electrolysis generators. The core part of such units is represented by electrolysis units that decompose water into hydrogen and oxygen using electric current. Nornickel takes part in research and development efforts to explore whether palladium can be used in electrolysis units.
Nornickel accounts for 38% of the global palladium output. The company plans to develop 120 new materials based on this metal by 2030. By that time, the global production of electrolysis units is projected to increase by 91 times.
Hydrogen is produced by electrolysis in electrolysis generators. The core part of such units is represented by electrolysis units that decompose water into hydrogen and oxygen using electric current. Nornickel takes part in research and development efforts to explore whether palladium can be used in electrolysis units.
Nornickel accounts for 38% of the global palladium output. The company plans to develop 120 new materials based on this metal by 2030. By that time, the global production of electrolysis units is projected to increase by 91 times.
Palladium absorbs hydrogen 90 times its own weight. This makes the metal indispensable for hydrogen energy. It makes hydrogen production cheaper and more efficient. Hydrogen is considered the fuel of the future. It does not generate harmful substances emitted into the atmosphere. Refueling a car takes only 3 to 5 minutes and hydrogen fuel is 80% more efficient and cheaper than gasoline.
Hydrogen is produced by electrolysis in electrolysis generators. The core part of such units is represented by electrolysis units that decompose water into hydrogen and oxygen using electric current. Nornickel takes part in research and development efforts to explore whether palladium can be used in electrolysis units.
Nornickel accounts for 38% of the global palladium output. The company plans to develop 120 new materials based on this metal by 2030. By that time, the global production of electrolysis units is projected to increase by 91 times.
Hydrogen is produced by electrolysis in electrolysis generators. The core part of such units is represented by electrolysis units that decompose water into hydrogen and oxygen using electric current. Nornickel takes part in research and development efforts to explore whether palladium can be used in electrolysis units.
Nornickel accounts for 38% of the global palladium output. The company plans to develop 120 new materials based on this metal by 2030. By that time, the global production of electrolysis units is projected to increase by 91 times.
Palladium absorbs hydrogen 90 times its own weight. This makes the metal indispensable for hydrogen energy. It makes hydrogen production cheaper and more efficient. Hydrogen is considered the fuel of the future. It does not generate harmful substances emitted into the atmosphere. Refueling a car takes only 3 to 5 minutes and hydrogen fuel is 80% more efficient and cheaper than gasoline.
Hydrogen is produced by electrolysis in electrolysis generators. The core part of such units is represented by electrolysis units that decompose water into hydrogen and oxygen using electric current. Nornickel takes part in research and development efforts to explore whether palladium can be used in electrolysis units.
Nornickel accounts for 38% of the global palladium output. The company plans to develop 120 new materials based on this metal by 2030. By that time, the global production of electrolysis units is projected to increase by 91 times.
Hydrogen is produced by electrolysis in electrolysis generators. The core part of such units is represented by electrolysis units that decompose water into hydrogen and oxygen using electric current. Nornickel takes part in research and development efforts to explore whether palladium can be used in electrolysis units.
Nornickel accounts for 38% of the global palladium output. The company plans to develop 120 new materials based on this metal by 2030. By that time, the global production of electrolysis units is projected to increase by 91 times.
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How much copper is used in solar panels per 1 MW of energy output?
Copper is needed to make heat exchangers, electrical wiring and cables for solar panels. For reference, onshore wind turbines contain 2.9 tonnes of copper per 1 MW of their capacity. Marine cables used to connect offshore wind turbines contain 8 tonnes of copper.
In fact, renewable energy sources require up to 5 times more copper than conventional ones. Therefore, analysts predict that demand for copper to be used for environmentally benign energy applications will double by 2030 compared to 2020.
Nornickel gradually increases its copper output.
In fact, renewable energy sources require up to 5 times more copper than conventional ones. Therefore, analysts predict that demand for copper to be used for environmentally benign energy applications will double by 2030 compared to 2020.
Nornickel gradually increases its copper output.
Copper is needed to make heat exchangers, electrical wiring and cables for solar panels. For reference, onshore wind turbines contain 2.9 tonnes of copper per 1 MW of their capacity. Marine cables used to connect offshore wind turbines contain 8 tonnes of copper.
In fact, renewable energy sources require up to 5 times more copper than conventional ones. Therefore, analysts predict that demand for copper to be used for environmentally benign energy applications will double by 2030 compared to 2020.
Nornickel gradually increases its copper output.
In fact, renewable energy sources require up to 5 times more copper than conventional ones. Therefore, analysts predict that demand for copper to be used for environmentally benign energy applications will double by 2030 compared to 2020.
Nornickel gradually increases its copper output.
Copper is needed to make heat exchangers, electrical wiring and cables for solar panels. For reference, onshore wind turbines contain 2.9 tonnes of copper per 1 MW of their capacity. Marine cables used to connect offshore wind turbines contain 8 tonnes of copper.
In fact, renewable energy sources require up to 5 times more copper than conventional ones. Therefore, analysts predict that demand for copper to be used for environmentally benign energy applications will double by 2030 compared to 2020.
Nornickel gradually increases its copper output.
In fact, renewable energy sources require up to 5 times more copper than conventional ones. Therefore, analysts predict that demand for copper to be used for environmentally benign energy applications will double by 2030 compared to 2020.
Nornickel gradually increases its copper output.
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What industry is the record holder for platinum consumption?
The automotive industry is the main consumer of platinum, accounting for 40% of demand. Jewelry ranks second with its 25%. These are followed by the production of fiberglass and optical glass, and the electronics industry.
Platinum is required for producing catalysts for exhaust systems. The toxicity of exhaust gases reduces when they contact this metal.
Stringent environmental protection requirements are forcing car manufacturers to buy the precious metal. However, even when gasoline engines become obsolete, demand for platinum will not fall. It is necessary for the electrolysis of hydrogen used to make hydrogen fuel.
Platinum is a very rare metal. Only five countries supply it to the global market with Russia ranking second in terms of total supplies. Nornickel ranks No. 1 among domestic mining companies. It produced 664 thousand ounces of platinum in 2023.
Platinum is required for producing catalysts for exhaust systems. The toxicity of exhaust gases reduces when they contact this metal.
Stringent environmental protection requirements are forcing car manufacturers to buy the precious metal. However, even when gasoline engines become obsolete, demand for platinum will not fall. It is necessary for the electrolysis of hydrogen used to make hydrogen fuel.
Platinum is a very rare metal. Only five countries supply it to the global market with Russia ranking second in terms of total supplies. Nornickel ranks No. 1 among domestic mining companies. It produced 664 thousand ounces of platinum in 2023.
The automotive industry is the main consumer of platinum, accounting for 40% of demand. Jewelry ranks second with its 25%. These are followed by the production of fiberglass and optical glass, and the electronics industry.
Platinum is required for producing catalysts for exhaust systems. The toxicity of exhaust gases reduces when they contact this metal.
Stringent environmental protection requirements are forcing car manufacturers to buy the precious metal. However, even when gasoline engines become obsolete, demand for platinum will not fall. It is necessary for the electrolysis of hydrogen used to make hydrogen fuel.
Platinum is a very rare metal. Only five countries supply it to the global market with Russia ranking second in terms of total supplies. Nornickel ranks No. 1 among domestic mining companies. It produced 664 thousand ounces of platinum in 2023.
Platinum is required for producing catalysts for exhaust systems. The toxicity of exhaust gases reduces when they contact this metal.
Stringent environmental protection requirements are forcing car manufacturers to buy the precious metal. However, even when gasoline engines become obsolete, demand for platinum will not fall. It is necessary for the electrolysis of hydrogen used to make hydrogen fuel.
Platinum is a very rare metal. Only five countries supply it to the global market with Russia ranking second in terms of total supplies. Nornickel ranks No. 1 among domestic mining companies. It produced 664 thousand ounces of platinum in 2023.
The automotive industry is the main consumer of platinum, accounting for 40% of demand. Jewelry ranks second with its 25%. These are followed by the production of fiberglass and optical glass, and the electronics industry.
Platinum is required for producing catalysts for exhaust systems. The toxicity of exhaust gases reduces when they contact this metal.
Stringent environmental protection requirements are forcing car manufacturers to buy the precious metal. However, even when gasoline engines become obsolete, demand for platinum will not fall. It is necessary for the electrolysis of hydrogen used to make hydrogen fuel.
Platinum is a very rare metal. Only five countries supply it to the global market with Russia ranking second in terms of total supplies. Nornickel ranks No. 1 among domestic mining companies. It produced 664 thousand ounces of platinum in 2023.
Platinum is required for producing catalysts for exhaust systems. The toxicity of exhaust gases reduces when they contact this metal.
Stringent environmental protection requirements are forcing car manufacturers to buy the precious metal. However, even when gasoline engines become obsolete, demand for platinum will not fall. It is necessary for the electrolysis of hydrogen used to make hydrogen fuel.
Platinum is a very rare metal. Only five countries supply it to the global market with Russia ranking second in terms of total supplies. Nornickel ranks No. 1 among domestic mining companies. It produced 664 thousand ounces of platinum in 2023.
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Why was it decided to develop the Kolmozerskoye lithium deposit in the Murmansk Region?
No lithium was produced in Russia until recently. According to some estimates, its proven reserves total 900 thousand tonnes, out of 20 million tonnes of global reserves. However, developing the deposits proved difficult and expensive; therefore, the metal was imported. The largest lithium reserves that are easier to mine are located in Australia, China and South America.
When supply disruptions began, the issue of our own metal production came up. In February 2023, a joint venture of Nornickel and Rosatom obtained a license for developing the Kolmozerskoye deposit. Once it reaches its design capacity by 2030, it will produce 45 thousand tonnes of lithium carbonate and hydroxide annually.
Lithium is indispensable when it comes to making batteries. Up to 70% of global demand for this metal is attributable to electric vehicles. Global lithium output is increasingly growing. The growth rate in 2023 was 23%. Global lithium prices increased 15-fold from 2020 through 2022.
When supply disruptions began, the issue of our own metal production came up. In February 2023, a joint venture of Nornickel and Rosatom obtained a license for developing the Kolmozerskoye deposit. Once it reaches its design capacity by 2030, it will produce 45 thousand tonnes of lithium carbonate and hydroxide annually.
Lithium is indispensable when it comes to making batteries. Up to 70% of global demand for this metal is attributable to electric vehicles. Global lithium output is increasingly growing. The growth rate in 2023 was 23%. Global lithium prices increased 15-fold from 2020 through 2022.
No lithium was produced in Russia until recently. According to some estimates, its proven reserves total 900 thousand tonnes, out of 20 million tonnes of global reserves. However, developing the deposits proved difficult and expensive; therefore, the metal was imported. The largest lithium reserves that are easier to mine are located in Australia, China and South America.
When supply disruptions began, the issue of our own metal production came up. In February 2023, a joint venture of Nornickel and Rosatom obtained a license for developing the Kolmozerskoye deposit. Once it reaches its design capacity by 2030, it will produce 45 thousand tonnes of lithium carbonate and hydroxide annually.
Lithium is indispensable when it comes to making batteries. Up to 70% of global demand for this metal is attributable to electric vehicles. Global lithium output is increasingly growing. The growth rate in 2023 was 23%. Global lithium prices increased 15-fold from 2020 through 2022.
When supply disruptions began, the issue of our own metal production came up. In February 2023, a joint venture of Nornickel and Rosatom obtained a license for developing the Kolmozerskoye deposit. Once it reaches its design capacity by 2030, it will produce 45 thousand tonnes of lithium carbonate and hydroxide annually.
Lithium is indispensable when it comes to making batteries. Up to 70% of global demand for this metal is attributable to electric vehicles. Global lithium output is increasingly growing. The growth rate in 2023 was 23%. Global lithium prices increased 15-fold from 2020 through 2022.
No lithium was produced in Russia until recently. According to some estimates, its proven reserves total 900 thousand tonnes, out of 20 million tonnes of global reserves. However, developing the deposits proved difficult and expensive; therefore, the metal was imported. The largest lithium reserves that are easier to mine are located in Australia, China and South America.
When supply disruptions began, the issue of our own metal production came up. In February 2023, a joint venture of Nornickel and Rosatom obtained a license for developing the Kolmozerskoye deposit. Once it reaches its design capacity by 2030, it will produce 45 thousand tonnes of lithium carbonate and hydroxide annually.
Lithium is indispensable when it comes to making batteries. Up to 70% of global demand for this metal is attributable to electric vehicles. Global lithium output is increasingly growing. The growth rate in 2023 was 23%. Global lithium prices increased 15-fold from 2020 through 2022.
When supply disruptions began, the issue of our own metal production came up. In February 2023, a joint venture of Nornickel and Rosatom obtained a license for developing the Kolmozerskoye deposit. Once it reaches its design capacity by 2030, it will produce 45 thousand tonnes of lithium carbonate and hydroxide annually.
Lithium is indispensable when it comes to making batteries. Up to 70% of global demand for this metal is attributable to electric vehicles. Global lithium output is increasingly growing. The growth rate in 2023 was 23%. Global lithium prices increased 15-fold from 2020 through 2022.
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You might want to get insight into the role of non-ferrous metals in 'green' energy.
You will understand why there is a real struggle for these resources in the world. Find out how demand for nickel and lithium has grown over the past five years.
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You have a pretty good handle on the properties of palladium, lithium and nickel.
You know that these metals play a major role in technologies contributing to a clean future; however, you don't know the details. We recommend that you listen to our webinar on palladium catalysts.
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Are you an expert in the non-ferrous metals market?
Yes, non-ferrous metals are indispensable for 'green energy'; however, their production poses environmental risks. Hear from us how Nornickel mends processes to reduce the production operations' impact on the environment and climate change.
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Photos by Nornickel, assistant/Shutterstock/FOTODOM, Industrial Donut Picks/Shutterstock/FOTODOM
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