RESOURCE DEMANDS OF ALTERNATIVE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES

The need to expand the nation’s energy options brings alternative energy technologies into sharper focus. Renewable energy technologies require critical and strategic minerals. Many of these required minor metals have limited availability, volatile prices and insecure sources. Gallium, indium, selenium, tellurium and high-purity silica are required for the principle photovoltaic technologies. Zinc, vanadium, platinum group metals, lithium and rare earth elements are key components of power storage, new generation wind turbines, hybrid vehicle, and fuel cell applications. All these materials must be mined. At present, the U.S. is woefully dependent upon import sources for our supply of most of these commodities. Domestic sources need to be found and developed if energy independence is to be achieved using alternative technologies.