Magnets are an essential component of turbine construction. Some 97 percent of the world's supply of the rare earth metal neodymium used in the manufacture of permanent magnets originates in China. The inceasing development and production of electric and hybrid vehicles, as well as the huge expansion of the global wind energy sector, has led to a massive increase in the demand for neodymium. Total global production is estimated to be in the region of 20,000 tonnes per annum - sufficient for the manufacture of 20,000 MW of wind turbines if the entire resource were allocated to this task. To put this in perspective, Europe alone added 10,000 MW of wind capacity in 2009.

In addition to use in alternators and turbines, neodymium is also used in the manufacture of glass, incandescent bulbs, anti-glare mirrors and solid state lasers.

Recently, China has announced it will restrict the export of all rare earth minerals in order to conserve dwindling supplies for its own domestic market. One expected consequence of this is a sharp rise in price of magnets over the next few years.

Magnets made from neodymium are extremely powerful. Provided they are not exposed to excessive heat or treated roughly, they will retain their properties almost indefinately.

We can supply high grade neodymium magnets suitable for small scale turbine manufacture. Please contact us for further details.