Renewable Energy

Wind turbines rely on high-performance rare earth magnets, particularly Neodymium-Iron-Boron (NdFeB) magnets, which are essential for permanent magnet generators (PMGs). Neodymium (Nd) and Praseodymium (Pr) provide the vital magnetic properties, while Dysprosium (Dy) and Terbium (Tb) enhance resistance to high temperatures and demagnetisation, making them ideal for long-term use in wind turbines.

Recycling & Replacement of Wind Turbine Magnets

As offshore and onshore wind turbines near the end of their operational life, a growing pool of retired (spent) NdFeB magnets are becoming available for recycling, refining, and repurposing. Extracting rare earth elements (REEs) from decommissioned turbines reduces reliance on newly mined materials, ensuring a sustainable supply of critical magnets for new installations.

The continuous replacement and upgrading of wind turbines require a steady supply of these magnets. Recycling end-of-life magnets not only minimises waste but also supports a circular economy, reducing environmental impact while securing materials for the next generation of renewable energy technology.

Here exists an already substantial – and steadily growing – pool of end-of-life (spent) magnets across the UK and Europe, particularly from wind turbines at or nearing retirement, there is significant feed material available for recycling into new materials and magnets.

IonicRE’s advanced recycling technology developed in Belfast enables a scalable and sustainable repurposing of spent permanent NdFeB magnets, accelerating magnet recycling across the Western world.

According to the Financial Times, the “…UK imports about 5,000-10,000 tonnes of rare earth magnets annually” yet “… only about 1 per cent are currently recycled”. Across the channel, a similar situation exists in the EU, where again only 1 per cent of all magnet waste is recycled within the EU. Ionic Technologies’ innovation is working to fix this deficiency, with key efforts in Belfast driving progress to achieve both a 25 per cent recycled target and 40% EU processing target.

Scaling Up Offshore Wind Energy

The Ocean Renewable Energy Action Coalition (OREAC) has called for governments to scale up offshore renewable energy projects, targeting 1,400 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2050. As of 2023 global installed offshore wind capacity reached approximately 67.4 GW, indicating significant growth potential.

To enhance efficiency and capital returns, larger and more powerful wind turbines are being developed to increase electricity output and unit longevity (turbine lifespan). This expansion heavily depends on refining and recycling REEs, ensuring a sustainable supply chain for NdFeb and SmCo magnets – critical components in achieving renewable energy goals – while avoiding the existing heavy reliance on Chinese-dominated supply.