A journey through geology and technology

Strategic Materials in Power Electronics

The relationship between geology and technology is much deeper than we often realise. Every electronic device, every power converter, every battery and every solar cell that facilitates our energy transition has roots in the earth itself – in the minerals that form the basis of our modern technology. This year 2025, we begin a journey through geology, exploring the minerals that contain essential elements for Power Electronics and their technological applications. In each month of our calendar associated with our blog we have used a photograph of each of the minerals that have and will have a relevant role in the development of Power Electronics, with the aim of graphically capturing the journey we are starting.

Lithium: Petalite – the spark of batteries

Petalite, a rock characterised by its greyish-white colour, is one of the minerals that contain lithium – a key metal for the energy transition. This element is at the core of lithium-ion batteries, which power everything from electric vehicles to large-scale energy storage systems. In power electronics, lithium plays a key role in power backup systems, facilitating the stability of renewable electricity grids.

Cobalt: Erythrite – the hidden catalyst

With its violet hue erythrite can be found in cobalt deposits. It is an essential component of high-performance batteries. Cobalt improves the charge capacity and lifetime of batteries, especially in applications such as electric vehicles. Without it the energy density required by these technologies would be unattainable.

Nickel: Garnierite – the backbone of alloys

Garnierite with its distinctive green colour is a major source of nickel – a metal used in alloys to improve their strength and durability. In power electronics nickel is essential for the construction of advanced semiconductors and heat-resistant components, such as power inverters in electric vehicles.

Zinc: Smithsonite – protection and efficiency

Green smithsonite contains zinc, a key metal for galvanisation and corrosion protection. In power electronics, zinc is used in zinc-bromine flow batteries – a promising technology for large-scale energy storage due to its durability and low cost.

Manganese: Rhodonite – the silent strength

Rhodonite known for its deep pink colour is a source of manganese, which is used to stabilise the crystalline structures in lithium-manganese batteries. These batteries are essential in industrial applications and electric vehicles due to their high energy density and thermal stability.

Platinum: Sperrylite – the noble enabler

Sperrylite – a rare mineral that harbours platinum is the king of catalysts. This metal is essential for hydrogen fuel cells, which convert hydrogen into electricity without carbon emissions. Power electronics relies on platinum to design sustainable energy systems that could revolutionise shipping and aviation.

Copper: Malachite – the conductive base

Malachite – a vibrant green stone is known to be one of the most important sources of copper. This metal is the main conductor in electrical transmission systems and is essential for motor coils, transformers and cables in power grids.

Silicon: From quartz – the core of semiconductors

Quartz with its crystalline purity is refined to produce silicon – the essential component of semiconductors. From photovoltaic panels to circuit chips silicon is the basis of all modern power electronics. Its ability to control the flow of energy makes it a pillar of the energy transition.

Iron: Limonite – the structural framework

Limonite – an earthy iron ore provides the iron necessary for the creation of magnetic cores in transformers and electric motors. These components are essential in power conversion and transmission, ensuring the efficiency and stability of networks.

Aluminium: Bauxite – the lightness that drives energy

Bauxite is the main ore from which aluminium is extracted, a light, conductive metal used in power transmission lines and in the construction of electronic components that require strength and low weight.

Silver – the perfect driver

Argentite or silver sulphide – a primary source of this material is known for its exceptional electrical conductivity. This precious metal is used in electrical contacts, solar panels and electronic systems where maximum efficiency is required.

Silicon Carbide: A leap to efficiency

Silicon carbide (SiC) is a combination of carbon and silicon – a material that is revolutionising power electronics. This compound improves the efficiency of power converters, reducing energy losses and increasing durability in applications such as electric vehicles and storage systems.

From the depths of the Earth to the technologies that power our world minerals and their elements offer us a bridge to a cleaner and more sustainable future. These materials are the core of power electronics enabling the transition to an energy matrix based on renewable sources. On this journey we have explored how geology and technology intertwine demonstrating that even the smallest elements have a huge impact on building our tomorrow.

Ready to explore further? Stay tuned for our next posts, where we will delve even deeper into the innovative applications that are shaping the global energy transition.