The Metals and Minerals That Power Wind Energy

Key Takeaways

Wind turbine construction relies on a variety of materials, including steel, copper, aluminium, rare earth elements (REEs), and more, each chosen for its unique properties.

Onshore wind farms use these materials, but offshore turbines require higher-grade versions due to harsh ocean conditions.

Offshore wind farms employ concrete for robust foundations and fiberglass for durable blades, emphasising the importance of materials that can withstand the harsh ocean environment.

Wind energy is an essential source of renewable energy that is rapidly growing in popularity worldwide. The construction of wind turbines requires a diverse range of metals and minerals, each with its unique properties that make it suitable for use in specific components. Here’s a look at the essential materials used in onshore and offshore wind farms.

Onshore Wind Farms

Onshore wind turbines are typically built on land and are smaller in size than offshore turbines. The metals and minerals used in onshore wind farms include:

1. Steel – Steel is the most common metal used in the construction of wind turbines. It is used for the towers, nacelle (the housing that holds the generator) and the rotor. Steel is preferred because it is strong, durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions.
2. Copper – Copper is used for the generator’s wiring and as a conductor in the transformer. Copper is preferred for its excellent electrical conductivity, durability and resistance to corrosion.
3. Aluminum – Aluminum is used for the blades of the wind turbine. It is preferred because it is lightweight, durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions.
4. Rare Earth Elements (REEs) – REEs are used in the construction of the magnets in the generator. Neodymium and dysprosium are the most commonly used REEs in wind turbines. They are preferred because they are excellent at retaining their magnetism, making them essential for the efficient operation of the generator.
5. Zinc, Lead and other materials – These materials are used for galvanisation, which is the process of coating the wind turbine components to protect them from rust and corrosion.

Offshore Wind Farms

Offshore wind turbines are much larger than onshore turbines and are constructed in the ocean. Due to the harsh conditions of the ocean, offshore wind turbines require more robust construction materials. The metals and minerals used in offshore wind farms include:

1. Steel – Steel is still the most commonly used metal in offshore wind farms. However, the steel used in offshore turbines is of a higher grade to withstand the harsh ocean conditions.
2. Copper – Copper is used for the generator’s wiring and as a conductor in the transformer. The copper used in offshore turbines is also of a higher grade to withstand the harsh ocean conditions.
3. Aluminum – Aluminum is still used for the blades of the wind turbine, but the aluminum used in offshore turbines is also of a higher grade to withstand the harsh ocean conditions.
4. Rare Earth Elements (REEs) – REEs are still used in the construction of the magnets in the generator. However, some offshore wind turbines use direct-drive generators, which do not require REEs.
5. Concrete – Concrete is used extensively in offshore wind farms for the foundation structures that hold the turbines in place. Due to the harsh ocean conditions, the foundation structures must be much larger and more robust than those used in onshore wind farms.
6. Fiberglass – Fiberglass is also used extensively in offshore wind farms for the construction of the turbine blades. The fiberglass used in offshore turbines is of a higher grade to withstand the harsh ocean conditions.

The construction of onshore and offshore wind farms requires a diverse range of metals and minerals, each with its unique properties that make it suitable for use in specific components. These materials play an essential role in harnessing the power of the wind and providing renewable energy to millions of people worldwide.