CleanTechnica•about 1 month ago
A Phyto Finish: Could Seaweed Be Mined for Critical Minerals?
Key Takeaway
Research into seaweed as a critical mineral source could eventually offer a sustainable, alternative supply chain, potentially impacting the cost and availability of key components for renewable energy and grid infrastructure.
AI Summary
- •NREL scientists are investigating specific seaweed species as a novel, sustainable source for critical minerals essential to clean energy technologies.
- •This early-stage "phyto-mining" research aims to diversify the supply chain for materials used in batteries, solar panels, and wind turbines.
- •Successful development could offer long-term benefits for developers and large power consumers by potentially stabilizing or reducing costs for renewable energy infrastructure components.
Topics
emissionsfinancingoempolicysolarstoragewind
Article Content
Some Seaweeds Accumulate Critical Minerals. NREL Scientists Are Studying Which Ones Do It Best Seaweed: the phyto(mining) frontier? Puns aside, seaweed is emerging as a surprising mining source. NREL chemist Stefanie Van Wychen and a team of five departed Juneau, Alaska, on an early spring—and surprisingly green—April morning. The crew ... [continued] The post A Phyto Finish: Could Seaweed Be Mined for Critical Minerals? appeared first on CleanTechnica .