Rare element found to improve renewable energy technology

One of the rarest elements in the world has been identified as an effective additive to new technologies required for the global energy transition, including solar perovskite cells and lithium metal batteries.

Cesium is a scarce but extremely versatile commodity which has made its name in history for developing atomic clocks used as a baseline for global timekeeping.

According to the owners of the fourth known pollucite deposit in existence, the potential opportunities for use of the element are growing as demand increases for renewable energy technology.

Power Metals chief executive Haydn Daxter says cesium has already found its place in the medical, aerospace and oil and gas industries, but we are starting to see an emergence of new applications in the renewable energy sector.

“There are only three known pollucite resources in the world, two of which have been mined out; we are on the verge of delivering the fourth which is vital for a range of industries as innovators start to realise the benefits,” he said.

“The interest we have had from investors and current shareholders continues to grow as people realise the unique properties and potential applications of cesium.

“Importantly, having research like this provides evidence for the possibilities for this commodity and could help pave the way for commercial opportunities to evolve in the future.

“We are in an exciting era for cesium, which is fast becoming an even more versatile element than first thought.”

Leading expert Nigel Brand says some research has indicated adding cesium to lithium metal batteries can improve the charging rate of the battery, which could enable faster recharging and support future electric vehicles to drive for longer.

“One paper suggests adding cesium could make the resulting solar perovskite more thermally stable ultimately improving performance,” he said.

As research is validated, Power Metals expects demand for supply of cesium to exponentially grow increased by investors in companies exploring and mining the element.