Vanadium is a metallic element primarily used to strengthen steel and alloys. Even small amounts significantly improve strength, durability, and lifespan.
It is used in:
- High-strength steel for construction and infrastructure
- Steel in vehicles, bridges, and railways
- Specialty steel for energy and industrial sectors
Vanadium is also used in vanadium flow batteries, a technology for large-scale energy storage that can help stabilise electricity systems with higher shares of renewable energy. Demand for vanadium is expected to increase as these battery systems are deployed to store renewable energy (wind and solar) and support grid stability.
Vanadium is classified as a Critical Raw Material by the European Commission. Approximately 87% of global production comes from China and Russia, with additional production in Brazil and South Africa. Andra producerande länder inkluderar Brasilien och Sydafrika.
This concentration means supply can be affected by geopolitics and export restrictions, as seen with metals such as gallium, germanium, and antimony. European production of vanadium may therefore be important for supply security, particularly for steel and energy storage sectors. European production of vanadium may therefore be important for supply security, particularly for steel and energy storage sectors.
Source: World Steel Association, IEA, European Commission, USGS