SUBSTITUTION OF RARE-EARTHS FOR ADVANCED NOVEL MAGNETS IN ENERGY AND TRANSPORT APPLICATIONS

Modern technologies required for the transition to a climate-resilient sustainable green and digital future (wind generators, electric motors) heavily rely on rare-earth (REE) permanent magnets. However, with China covering 98% of the supply to Europe in 2022, the continent is left in an extremely vulnerable position with respect to these critical raw materials. In this framework, BEETHOVEN seeks to address the challenge brought forward in the Topic description to reduce the amount of REE employed in the new energy sector.The main goal of the project is to develop innovative and sustainable advanced magnetic materials that substitute REE in the energy and transportation sectors. We will work on developing and upscaling 3 types of magnetic phases: high-entropy alloys, ferrite-based composites and W-type ferrites, that could be deployed at large scale in the permanent magnets market. Substitution will be demonstrated in final applications by developing REE-bonded magnets for automotive components, and by designing and building prototypes for a REE-lean wind generator, a REE-free flywheel and a REE-free/lean e-motor for electric vehicles. With a total budget of 7.5 Million €, balanced between the parallel technological developments and across the project´s value chain, BEETHOVEN will address the 6 activities specified in the Topic Description. To do so, a team of experts from 14 partners and 10 countries -with demonstrated experience working collaboratively at the frontier of knowledge in the permanent magnet sector- has been assembled. The successful implementation of the project is expected to put BEETHOVEN in the position to contribute to the expected outcomes and wider impacts of the call by reducing Europe´s REE magnets imports by an estimated 2,200-4,900 tons by 2033. The key technologies, skills and materials to achieve this impact will be developed within EU borders, contributing to a more resilient, autonomous and industrially competitive Europe.