Natural constraints on use of rare elements in photovoltaic technologies
https://doi.org/10.55959/MSU0579-9406-4-2025-64-2-3-18
Abstract
In response to the ongoing debate on climate change and cleaner power technologies several scenarios for the future electricity generation have been recently proposed. All of them include a substantial share of photovoltaic solar technologies. However these technologies are more material intensive than traditional methods of power generation. There is a growing concern about availability of critical metals including In, Te, Se, Cd, Ge, Ga required for the large scale implementation of new technologies. These elements are companion metals recovered mainly from copper and zinc ores and bauxite. In this paper possible natural constraints on use of rare elements resulted from impact of increasing demand for companion metals on the supply of host metals are examined.
About the Authors
A. L. Dergachev
Lomonosov Moscow State University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Aleksander L. Dergachev
Moscow
E. M. Shemyakina
RUDN University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Elizaveta M. Shemyakina
Moscow
V. V. Dyakonov
Sergo Ordzhonikidzе Russian State Geological Prospecting University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Viktor V. Dyakonov
Moscow
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Review
For citations:
Dergachev A.L., Shemyakina E.M., Dyakonov V.V. Natural constraints on use of rare elements in photovoltaic technologies. Moscow University Bulletin. Series 4. Geology. 2025;64(2):3-18. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.55959/MSU0579-9406-4-2025-64-2-3-18
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