Process for hybrid and electric vehicles to recycle rare earths in a closed loop.
The goal is to use rare earth elements (REE) as a key part of green technology applications. There is a growing demand for REE right now, mostly for permanent magnets based on neodymium that are used in highly efficient motors for hybrid vehicles and wind turbine generators. The supply of REEs is, however, at risk because trading policies are not always clear. The REE4EU technology tries to meet the European demand for REE by using secondary REE-containing resources (like waste) that are already available in Europe. This creates an innovative closed-loop REE recycling process in which REE-containing wastes are turned into REE-final products. The properties of the final REE products made from recycled materials were the same as those made from new materials. REE4EU not only reduces the amount of trash that ends up in landfills, but it also produces much less CO2 than extracting and using new materials. Also, it shows that the costs are competitive compared to the usual way of getting primary REEs. The REE4EU technology can protect important value chains in Europe, which are needed to reach goals for decarbonization, resource efficiency, and zero waste. It also gives a European REE recycling business a promising market opportunity.
Positive facts about REE4EU
Around 50% lower GHG emissions compared to use of virgin REE materials
Around 35% lower primary energy consumption than mainstream alternative
Payback period of under three years
Video about REE4EU
https://www.youtube.com/embed/6b0CS65a1Ro
REE4EU website : https://sintef.no/en/