By US Department of Energy
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Washington, D.C. The Department of Energy has released a Request for Information (RFI) soliciting information on rare earth metals and other materials used in the energy sector.
The request is specifically focused on rare earth metals (e.g., lanthanum, cerium and neodymium) and several other metals including lithium and cobalt, but respondents are welcome to identify other materials of interest. These materials are important to the development and deployment of a variety of clean energy technologies, such as wind turbines, hybrid vehicles, solar panels and energy efficient light bulbs.
In a March 17 speech, Assistant Secretary of Energy for Policy & International Affairs David Sandalow announced that DOE is developing its first-ever strategic plan concerning rare earth metals and other materials in energy components, products and processes. Assistant Secretary Sandalow said, "Clean energy technologies create jobs, cut costs and reduce pollution. The information we're requesting today will help guide the Department of Energy as it helps shape a clean energy future."
The responses to the RFI will help inform DOE's understanding of supply and demand for these materials, opportunities for developing substitutes and the potential for using these materials more efficiently. Responses are due no later than 5:00pm (EDT) on June 7, 2010, and should be submitted electronically to materialstrategy@hq.doe.gov.
For more information, view the Materials Strategy RFI (pdf - 76 kb) or read Assistant Secretary Sandalow's speech (pdf - 49 kb).
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