IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/eee/energy/v312y2024ics0360544224034029.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Recycling impacts of renewable energy generation-related rare earth resources: A SWOT-based strategical analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Zhang, Lei
  • Jiang, Peng
  • Zhang, Yibo
  • Fan, Yee Van
  • Geng, Yong

Abstract

As the global energy mix transforms and renewable energy technologies rapidly develop, there has been a significant increase in the demand for rare earth elements, which play a crucial role in renewable energy systems. By recycling rare earth resources from obsolete equipment, the reliance on newly mined rare earth resources can be reduced, thereby reducing the related environmental and energy footprints and increasing the stability of the supply chain. This study aims to systematically and strategically analyze and discuss the recycling impacts of renewable energy generation (REG)-related rare earth resources in terms of environmental, economic, social, and governance aspects. A SWOT strategical analysis framework integrating a management cycle and intelligent text data mining is built to address the above tasks from an ESG (Environment, Society, and Governance) perspective. The SWOT analysis of the rare earth recycling impacts focuses on strengths (e.g., reduced dependence on rare resources, reduced environmental and emission pressure), weaknesses (e.g., high cost, technology and management complexity), opportunities (e.g., policy support, technological innovations, diversification of the global supply chain), and threats (e.g., market volatility, the emergence of alternative materials). This analysis framework reveals textual topic changes and suggests cyclic and strategical improvement pathways to analyze the multi-dimensional recycling impacts. The text data analysis results indicate that the trend of rare earth recycling is gradually transformed from technologies, supply and demand, and secondary resources into resource and environment sustainable development. Beyond overcoming identified challenges, future pathways should focus more on the integration of advanced emerging technologies, life cycle management, and dynamic adjustment of recycling strategies. This study could provide policymakers and industry practitioners with recommendations and outlook on current development status and improvement strategies to promote REG-related rare earth recycling.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhang, Lei & Jiang, Peng & Zhang, Yibo & Fan, Yee Van & Geng, Yong, 2024. "Recycling impacts of renewable energy generation-related rare earth resources: A SWOT-based strategical analysis," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 312(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:312:y:2024:i:c:s0360544224034029
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2024.133624
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360544224034029
    Download Restriction: Full text for ScienceDirect subscribers only
    File URL: https://libkey.io/10.1016/j.energy.2024.133624?utm_source=ideas
    LibKey link: if access is restricted and if your library uses this service, LibKey will redirect you to where you can use your library subscription to access this item
    ---><---

    As the access to this document is restricted, you may want to search for a different version of it.

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Lulu Song & Stijn Ewijk & Eric Masanet & Takuma Watari & Fanran Meng & Jonathan M. Cullen & Zhi Cao & Wei-Qiang Chen, 2023. "Author Correction: China’s bulk material loops can be closed but deep decarbonization requires demand reduction," Nature Climate Change, Nature, vol. 13(11), pages 1272-1272, November.
    2. Wang, Kexin & Chen, Shang & Liu, Liuchen & Zhu, Tong & Gan, Zhongxue, 2018. "Enhancement of renewable energy penetration through energy storage technologies in a CHP-based energy system for Chongming, China," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 162(C), pages 988-1002.
    3. Karen Smith Stegen, 2023. "International relations theory on grid communities and international politics in a green world," Nature Energy, Nature, vol. 8(10), pages 1073-1077, October.
    4. Khazdozian, Helena A. & Hadimani, Ravi L. & Jiles, David C., 2017. "Development of rare earth free permanent magnet generator using Halbach cylinder rotor design," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 112(C), pages 84-92.
    5. Hiroshi Nishiyama & Taro Yamada & Mamiko Nakabayashi & Yoshiki Maehara & Masaharu Yamaguchi & Yasuko Kuromiya & Yoshie Nagatsuma & Hiromasa Tokudome & Seiji Akiyama & Tomoaki Watanabe & Ryoichi Narush, 2021. "Photocatalytic solar hydrogen production from water on a 100-m2 scale," Nature, Nature, vol. 598(7880), pages 304-307, October.
    6. Yong Geng & Joseph Sarkis & Raimund Bleischwitz, 2019. "How to globalize the circular economy," Nature, Nature, vol. 565(7738), pages 153-155, January.
    7. Schlör, H. & Venghaus, S. & Zapp, P. & Marx, J. & Schreiber, A. & Hake, J.-Fr., 2018. "The energy-mineral-society nexus – A social LCA model," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 228(C), pages 999-1008.
    8. Phadermrod, Boonyarat & Crowder, Richard M. & Wills, Gary B., 2019. "Importance-Performance Analysis based SWOT analysis," International Journal of Information Management, Elsevier, vol. 44(C), pages 194-203.
    9. Wang, Peng & Chen, Li-Yang & Ge, Jian-Ping & Cai, Wenjia & Chen, Wei-Qiang, 2019. "Incorporating critical material cycles into metal-energy nexus of China’s 2050 renewable transition," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 253(C), pages 1-1.
    10. Lee, Yurim & Dacass, Tennecia, 2022. "Reducing the United States’ risks of dependency on China in the rare earth market," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 77(C).
    11. Zhang, Ying & Wang, Xiaodong & Wu, Dezhen, 2016. "Microencapsulation of n-dodecane into zirconia shell doped with rare earth: Design and synthesis of bifunctional microcapsules for photoluminescence enhancement and thermal energy storage," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 97(C), pages 113-126.
    12. Golev, Artem & Scott, Margaretha & Erskine, Peter D. & Ali, Saleem H. & Ballantyne, Grant R., 2014. "Rare earths supply chains: Current status, constraints and opportunities," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 41(C), pages 52-59.
    13. Yong Geng & Joseph Sarkis & Raimund Bleischwitz, 2023. "How to build a circular economy for rare-earth elements," Nature, Nature, vol. 619(7969), pages 248-251, July.
    14. Gaurang Sonkavde & Deepak Sudhakar Dharrao & Anupkumar M. Bongale & Sarika T. Deokate & Deepak Doreswamy & Subraya Krishna Bhat, 2023. "Forecasting Stock Market Prices Using Machine Learning and Deep Learning Models: A Systematic Review, Performance Analysis and Discussion of Implications," IJFS, MDPI, vol. 11(3), pages 1-22, July.
    15. Saleem H. Ali & Damien Giurco & Nicholas Arndt & Edmund Nickless & Graham Brown & Alecos Demetriades & Ray Durrheim & Maria Amélia Enriquez & Judith Kinnaird & Anna Littleboy & Lawrence D. Meinert & R, 2017. "Correction: Corrigendum: Mineral supply for sustainable development requires resource governance," Nature, Nature, vol. 547(7662), pages 246-246, July.
    16. Yijing Wang & Rong Wang & Katsumasa Tanaka & Philippe Ciais & Josep Penuelas & Yves Balkanski & Jordi Sardans & Didier Hauglustaine & Wang Liu & Xiaofan Xing & Jiarong Li & Siqing Xu & Yuankang Xiong , 2023. "Accelerating the energy transition towards photovoltaic and wind in China," Nature, Nature, vol. 619(7971), pages 761-767, July.
    17. Saleem H. Ali & Damien Giurco & Nicholas Arndt & Edmund Nickless & Graham Brown & Alecos Demetriades & Ray Durrheim & Maria Amélia Enriquez & Judith Kinnaird & Anna Littleboy & Lawrence D. Meinert & R, 2017. "Mineral supply for sustainable development requires resource governance," Nature, Nature, vol. 543(7645), pages 367-372, March.
    18. Bonfante, Mariele Canal & Raspini, Jéssica Prats & Fernandes, Ivan Belo & Fernandes, Suélen & Campos, Lucila M.S. & Alarcon, Orestes Estevam, 2021. "Achieving Sustainable Development Goals in rare earth magnets production: A review on state of the art and SWOT analysis," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 137(C).
    19. Gyimah, Justice & Yao, Xilong & Tachega, Mark Awe & Sam Hayford, Isaac & Opoku-Mensah, Evans, 2022. "Renewable energy consumption and economic growth: New evidence from Ghana," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 248(C).
    20. Depraiter, Lisa & Goutte, Stephane, 2023. "The role and challenges of rare earths in the energy transition," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 86(PB).
    21. Sueyoshi, Toshiyuki & Mo, Fei & Wang, Derek D., 2022. "Sustainable development of countries all over the world and the impact of renewable energy," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 184(C), pages 320-331.
    22. Jason C. K. Lee & Zongguo Wen, 2018. "Pathways for greening the supply of rare earth elements in China," Nature Sustainability, Nature, vol. 1(10), pages 598-605, October.
    23. Alison G. Fritz & Thomas J. Tarka & Meagan S. Mauter, 2023. "Assessing the economic viability of unconventional rare earth element feedstocks," Nature Sustainability, Nature, vol. 6(9), pages 1103-1112, September.
    24. Machacek, Erika & Richter, Jessika Luth & Habib, Komal & Klossek, Polina, 2015. "Recycling of rare earths from fluorescent lamps: Value analysis of closing-the-loop under demand and supply uncertainties," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 104(PA), pages 76-93.
    25. Pavel, Claudiu C. & Lacal-Arántegui, Roberto & Marmier, Alain & Schüler, Doris & Tzimas, Evangelos & Buchert, Matthias & Jenseit, Wolfgang & Blagoeva, Darina, 2017. "Substitution strategies for reducing the use of rare earths in wind turbines," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 52(C), pages 349-357.
    26. Wang, Xue-Chao & Jiang, Peng & Yang, Lan & Fan, Yee Van & Klemeš, Jiří Jaromír & Wang, Yutao, 2021. "Extended water-energy nexus contribution to environmentally-related sustainable development goals," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 150(C).
    27. Agnese, Paolo & Battaglia, Francesca & Busato, Francesco & Taddeo, Simone, 2023. "ESG controversies and governance: Evidence from the banking industry," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 53(C).
    28. Amato, A. & Becci, A. & Birloaga, I. & De Michelis, I. & Ferella, F. & Innocenzi, V. & Ippolito, N.M. & Pillar Jimenez Gomez, C. & Vegliò, F. & Beolchini, F., 2019. "Sustainability analysis of innovative technologies for the rare earth elements recovery," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 106(C), pages 41-53.
    29. Lulu Song & Stijn Ewijk & Eric Masanet & Takuma Watari & Fanran Meng & Jonathan M. Cullen & Zhi Cao & Wei-Qiang Chen, 2023. "China’s bulk material loops can be closed but deep decarbonization requires demand reduction," Nature Climate Change, Nature, vol. 13(10), pages 1136-1143, October.
    30. Lipian, Michal & Dobrev, Ivan & Karczewski, Maciej & Massouh, Fawaz & Jozwik, Krzysztof, 2019. "Small wind turbine augmentation: Experimental investigations of shrouded- and twin-rotor wind turbine systems," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 186(C).
    31. Rao Fu & Kun Peng & Peng Wang & Honglin Zhong & Bin Chen & Pengfei Zhang & Yiyi Zhang & Dongyang Chen & Xi Liu & Kuishuang Feng & Jiashuo Li, 2023. "Tracing metal footprints via global renewable power value chains," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-14, December.
    32. Ryong Ryoo & Jaeheon Kim & Changbum Jo & Seung Won Han & Jeong-Chul Kim & Hongjun Park & Jongho Han & Hye Sun Shin & Jae Won Shin, 2020. "Rare-earth–platinum alloy nanoparticles in mesoporous zeolite for catalysis," Nature, Nature, vol. 585(7824), pages 221-224, September.
    33. Benjamin K. Sovacool & Peter Newell & Sanya Carley & Jessica Fanzo, 2022. "Equity, technological innovation and sustainable behaviour in a low-carbon future," Nature Human Behaviour, Nature, vol. 6(3), pages 326-337, March.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Claire L. McLeod & Mark. P. S. Krekeler, 2017. "Sources of Extraterrestrial Rare Earth Elements: To the Moon and Beyond," Resources, MDPI, vol. 6(3), pages 1-28, August.
    2. Beibei Che & Chaofeng Shao & Zhirui Lu & Binghong Qian & Sihan Chen, 2022. "Mineral Requirements for China’s Energy Transition to 2060—Focus on Electricity and Transportation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(1), pages 1-23, December.
    3. Ziyan Gao & Yong Geng & Xianlai Zeng & Xu Tian & Tianli Yao & Xiaoqian Song & Chang Su, 2022. "Evolution of the anthropogenic chromium cycle in China," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 26(2), pages 592-608, April.
    4. Liang, Yanan & Kleijn, René & Tukker, Arnold & van der Voet, Ester, 2022. "Material requirements for low-carbon energy technologies: A quantitative review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 161(C).
    5. Yufeng Chen & Biao Zheng, 2019. "What Happens after the Rare Earth Crisis: A Systematic Literature Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(5), pages 1-26, March.
    6. Schmid, Marc, 2019. "Mitigating supply risks through involvement in rare earth projects: Japan's strategies and what the US can learn," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 63(C), pages 1-1.
    7. Seiler, Volker, 2024. "The relationship between Chinese and FOB prices of rare earth elements – Evidence in the time and frequency domain," The Quarterly Review of Economics and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 95(C), pages 160-179.
    8. Endl, Andreas & Tost, Michael & Hitch, Michael & Moser, Peter & Feiel, Susanne, 2021. "Europe's mining innovation trends and their contribution to the sustainable development goals: Blind spots and strong points," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 74(C).
    9. Guzmán, Juan Ignacio & Karpunina, Alina & Araya, Constanza & Faúndez, Patricio & Bocchetto, Marcela & Camacho, Rodolfo & Desormeaux, Daniela & Galaz, Juanita & Garcés, Ingrid & Kracht, Willy & Lagos, , 2023. "Chile: On the road to global sustainable mining," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 83(C).
    10. Tomer Fishman & Rupert J. Myers & Orlando Rios & T.E. Graedel, 2018. "Implications of Emerging Vehicle Technologies on Rare Earth Supply and Demand in the United States," Resources, MDPI, vol. 7(1), pages 1-15, January.
    11. Dou Shiquan & Xu Deyi, 2023. "The security of critical mineral supply chains," Mineral Economics, Springer;Raw Materials Group (RMG);Luleå University of Technology, vol. 36(3), pages 401-412, September.
    12. Margarita N. Ignatyeva & Vera V. Yurak & Alexey V. Dushin & Irina G. Polyanskaya, 2021. "Assessing challenges and threats for balanced subsoil use," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 23(12), pages 17904-17922, December.
    13. Steven B. Young & Shannon Fernandes & Michael O. Wood, 2019. "Jumping the Chain: How Downstream Manufacturers Engage with Deep Suppliers of Conflict Minerals," Resources, MDPI, vol. 8(1), pages 1-24, January.
    14. Femke J. M. M. Nijsse & Jean-Francois Mercure & Nadia Ameli & Francesca Larosa & Sumit Kothari & Jamie Rickman & Pim Vercoulen & Hector Pollitt, 2023. "The momentum of the solar energy transition," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-10, December.
    15. Pommeret, Aude & Ricci, Francesco & Schubert, Katheline, 2022. "Critical raw materials for the energy transition," European Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 141(C).
    16. Liu, Wenjuan & Agusdinata, Datu B. & Eakin, Hallie & Romero, Hugo, 2022. "Sustainable minerals extraction for electric vehicles: A pilot study of consumers’ perceptions of impacts," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 75(C).
    17. Saleem H. Ali, 2018. "Extracting at the borders: Negotiating political and ecological geographies of movement in mineral frontiers," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 26(5), pages 481-490, September.
    18. Jianbo Yang & Xin Li & Zehui Xiong & Minxi Wang & Qunyi Liu, 2020. "Environmental Pollution Effect Analysis of Lead Compounds in China Based on Life Cycle," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(7), pages 1-17, March.
    19. Shriram S. Rangarajan & Suvetha Poyyamani Sunddararaj & AVV Sudhakar & Chandan Kumar Shiva & Umashankar Subramaniam & E. Randolph Collins & Tomonobu Senjyu, 2022. "Lithium-Ion Batteries—The Crux of Electric Vehicles with Opportunities and Challenges," Clean Technol., MDPI, vol. 4(4), pages 1-23, September.
    20. de Oliveira, R.P. & Benvenuti, J. & Espinosa, D.C.R., 2021. "A review of the current progress in recycling technologies for gallium and rare earth elements from light-emitting diodes," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 145(C).

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:312:y:2024:i:c:s0360544224034029. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Catherine Liu (email available below). General contact details of provider: http://www.journals.elsevier.com/energy .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.