Semiconductor Advances in Permanent Magnet Wind Turbines: Unlocking the Potential of Rare Earth Materials
ying a positive role in boosting the entire wind power supply chain. The application prospects of evaporative cooling technology in large offshore wind turbines are broad, providing a stable and reliable operating environment for generators and aligning with the practical needs of the current wind power industry development.
As the wind power industry continues to grow rapidly, the rare earth permanent magnets industry, a key raw material for wind turbines, is expected to see a significant boost. However, with the introduction of semi-direct-drive offshore wind turbines, the previously dominant direct-drive wind turbines face the risk of being gradually replaced. Currently, the market penetration rate of direct-drive wind turbines is declining, falling below 10% according to industry experts. Semi-direct-drive wind turbines require approximately 25% less NdFeB compared to direct-drive wind turbines, leading to a decrease in demand for NdFeB in the wind power industry.
While the overall growth of the wind power industry can drive up the demand for NdFeB, the rate of growth may slow down in the near future. By the end of 2024, incremental orders for NdFeB in the wind power sector did not see significant growth, leading to concerns in the rare earth permanent magnets industry about the market outlook. The gradual adoption of semi-direct-drive offshore wind turbines is anticipated to have a considerable impact on the demand for rare earth permanent magnets.
In conclusion, the breakthrough in evaporative cooling semi-direct drive permanent magnet wind turbines represents a major advancement in the field of large offshore wind turbines. This innovation not only boosts China’s competitiveness in offshore wind power equipment but also has the potential to enhance the utilization of marine resources. While the rare earth permanent magnets industry may face challenges with the rise of semi-direct-drive turbines, the overall impact on the wind power supply chain remains to be seen.
