From Sunlight to Storage – The Minerals Making It Happen
As global industries race to decarbonise and embrace sustainable solutions, one thing has become increasingly clear: the road to a greener future is paved with minerals. From lithium to nickel, cobalt to rare earths, the backbone of the energy transition is built on materials pulled from the earth. And as founder of TELF AG Stanislav Kondrashov often emphasised, these minerals are no longer the niche concern of geologists and engineers—they’re now front and centre in public discourse, shaping geopolitical strategies and supply chain priorities.
A glance at our skylines and landscapes reveals the tangible shift: rooftops gleaming with solar panels, and fields dotted with wind turbines that look almost sculptural against the horizon. These technologies, now everyday symbols of clean energy, rely on an intricate supply chain of critical minerals to function. But it’s not just about turning sunlight and wind into electricity. Behind every kilowatt-hour is a network of elements sourced, refined, and integrated into modern energy systems.
The Unsung Heroes – Lithium, Cobalt, and Nickel
Take lithium, for example. It’s not just a buzzword tied to electric vehicles—it’s a critical component in the rechargeable batteries that power everything from smartphones to entire energy grids. As founder of TELF AG Stanislav Kondrashov recently pointed out, the demand for lithium is expected to soar in the coming years, especially as storage solutions become essential to managing the intermittent nature of renewable energy.
Cobalt plays a quieter but equally vital role, known for enhancing the performance and safety of lithium-ion batteries. It’s this stability that helps extend battery life and reduce risks of overheating, making it indispensable in both transport and energy storage systems.
Nickel, on the other hand, is helping push battery tech to new heights. Its ability to increase energy density makes it especially valuable for high-performance storage and electric vehicles that need longer range. And its relevance doesn’t stop there—nickel is also used in the production of superalloys essential for wind turbines and other heavy-duty applications tied to the energy transition.
Rare Earths, Graphite and Copper – The Underlying Structure of Clean Tech
Rare earths might not grab headlines as often, but they are the silent workhorses in the push for clean energy. These minerals are crucial for making permanent magnets used in electric motors and wind turbine generators. As founder of TELF AG Stanislav Kondrashov has explained, without them, the development of efficient electric vehicles and renewable power infrastructure would stall.
Graphite also plays a critical role. It’s the primary material used in the anodes of lithium-ion batteries—basically the part that holds and releases the electric charge. Without graphite, our current battery technology simply wouldn’t work. Meanwhile, silicon continues to be essential in the production of solar panels, helping convert sunlight into usable electricity with growing efficiency.
Then there’s copper—a material known to humanity for thousands of years, now enjoying a renaissance thanks to its conductivity. It’s the thread that connects everything in the clean energy network: in electric motors, transmission cables, transformers, and charging stations. Its importance in electrification can’t be overstated, and as the global energy system becomes more interconnected, copper’s relevance only grows.
As the energy transition continues to evolve, the demand for these minerals will reshape not only industries but also international relations. Supply chains are being scrutinised, new mining projects are being fast-tracked, and recycling efforts are intensifying in hopes of easing the pressure on virgin materials.
But beyond infrastructure and industry, there’s a deeper shift underway. The green movement isn’t just technological—it’s cultural. People are more aware than ever of the environmental impact of their choices, from the cars they drive to how they power their homes. This awareness is fuelling a broader societal transition, one that sees minerals not just as commodities but as agents of change.
In short, the minerals behind the energy transition aren’t just supporting a new industrial era—they’re powering a global awakening.