Imagine if the most important parts of an electric car's motor required a special ingredient that only one country controls. This project creates new types of magnets using common materials instead of those rare ingredients. It's like finding a way to bake a cake without a rare spice that is almost impossible to buy.
Europe is critically dependent on China for 98% of its rare-earth magnet supply. This creates a massive supply chain risk for the electric vehicle and wind energy sectors.
The project is developing three new magnetic materials (high-entropy alloys, ferrite composites, W-type ferrites) and prototypes for REE-lean wind generators, REE-free flywheels, and REE-free/lean e-motors.
If you are an EV motor manufacturer dealing with supply chain risks for rare-earth materials — this project developed REE-free or REE-lean e-motors that reduce dependence on imports. This ensures production stability for electric vehicles.
If you are a wind turbine producer dealing with the high cost and scarcity of permanent magnets — this project developed a REE-lean wind generator prototype. This allows for more sustainable scaling of green energy infrastructure.
If you are a storage company dealing with expensive magnetic components — this project developed a REE-free flywheel. This lowers the material cost of energy storage systems.
Based on available project data, specific unit costs are not provided, but the project aims to reduce the use of expensive rare-earth elements to lower vulnerability and costs.
Yes, the project specifically focuses on upscaling three types of magnetic phases—high-entropy alloys, ferrite-based composites, and W-type ferrites—for large-scale deployment in the permanent magnets market.
Based on available project data, specific licensing terms are not mentioned, but the technologies are being developed within EU borders to increase industrial competitiveness.
The project runs from 2024-05-01 to 2028-04-30, with an estimated impact on import reductions reaching through 2033.
The project is designing specific prototypes for e-motors and wind generators to demonstrate that substitution is possible in final applications.
The consortium is well-balanced for technology transfer, consisting of 14 partners across 10 countries. With a 36% industry ratio (5 industrial partners, 5 of which are SMEs), the project bridges the gap between 4 universities and 5 research centers, ensuring that the theoretical development of magnetic phases is aligned with industrial manufacturing needs.
Contact AGENCIA ESTATAL CONSEJO SUPERIOR DE INVESTIGACIONES CIENTIFICAS in Spain
Contact us to connect with the BEETHOVEN consortium for early access to REE-free magnet specifications.
