Magnets are vital components found in various household electronics (e.g. speakers, electric motors etc.) and are essential to tap into renewable energy sources. 🟠 Speakers, for example, produce sound by the interaction of a permanent magnet and electromagnet. 🟣 While wind turbines use magnets in their generators which play a crucial role in converting the mechanical energy from the spinning blades into electrical energy. 🔵 In the case of heat pumps, magnets can be found in the electric motors that drive the pumps or fans. Being able to recycle these “common products” is a must to recover valuable materials such as neodymium. Pascal Leroy 🇪🇺🌍 and Michelle Wagner from the WEEE Forum zoom in on the #criticalrawmaterials act on our website! 👉 https://loom.ly/xhcYy2Q European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA) European Commission #permanentmagnets
Carlo Burkhardt
6mo
Good idea. We are at your disposal to answer questions.
Research & Innovation Lead at EcoWise Ekodenge Ltd
6moI was trying to figure out last year (for a EU funding proposal) if there is any appetite to work on magnet recycling, but it seems like the volumes needed to make that work (and the challenges of magnet extraction + logistics) are a big barrier. Would be keen to hear a concept on how magnet recycling could work? Do we need a specialised magnet recycling facility? Do we need specialised magnet extraction/sorting stations as part of existing WEEE management facilities? How can we get to the volume of magnets to make it work market wise?