Vanadium is at the forefront of sustainable development, revolutionising both the steel industry and energy storage solutions. Its unique properties enable reduced carbon emissions in steelmaking while also playing a crucial role in vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs), which are set to redefine long-duration energy storage. As industries worldwide seek to lower their environmental impact, vanadium’s role is expanding rapidly, making it an indispensable material in the green transition.
The demand for vanadium is soaring as developing nations incorporate vanadium-bearing steel into construction, defence, aerospace, rail, and electric power sectors. Given that steel production is a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions—especially in China, the world’s largest producer and consumer of steel—vanadium-enhanced steel is proving to be a game-changer. China’s new rebar standards are accelerating the shift towards high-strength alloy steel, significantly reducing the amount of steel required for construction, which in turn lowers carbon emissions.
The environmental benefits of vanadium extend beyond steel production. Using vanadium-bearing steel means fewer raw materials are needed, reducing the demand for iron ore and coal, as well as cutting down the global transport of these commodities. This results in substantial energy savings and a more sustainable supply chain. According to Vanitec, a global association representing the vanadium industry, the economic and environmental advantages of adding vanadium to steel far outweigh the costs. US Vanadium’s Terry Perles highlights that while production costs may rise, steel mills can sell vanadium-enhanced steel at a premium, benefiting not only the manufacturers but also the construction industry and end-users who benefit from more efficient buildings.
Rapidly developing economies such as India and Brazil are also adopting vanadium-bearing steel, as their construction sectors recognise its superior strength and sustainability benefits. The potential for growth in these markets remains vast, promising further environmental and economic advantages in the years ahead.
Beyond steel, vanadium is increasingly driving sustainability across multiple industries. In rail transport, it extends the lifespan of tracks by reducing wear and tear. Power stations benefit from vanadium’s ability to enhance efficiency at higher operating temperatures, leading to lower emissions. The automotive industry is leveraging high-strength vanadium-alloyed steels to produce lighter, more fuel-efficient vehicles. In aerospace, vanadium is essential in the production of master alloys for jet engines, highlighting its critical role in advanced engineering applications.
One of vanadium’s most transformative applications is in energy storage. Vanadium redox flow batteries offer a scalable and sustainable solution for integrating renewable energy sources, addressing the challenges of long-duration storage. By enabling more efficient and stable energy storage, these batteries are paving the way for a greener, more resilient power grid.
Vanadium production is also evolving towards sustainability. Approximately 70% of the world’s vanadium comes from steel slag, a by-product of steelmaking, with additional supply from mining operations and recycling spent catalysts. As environmental regulations tighten, particularly with the International Maritime Organisation’s new bunker fuel rules, vanadium recovery from recycled sources is expected to rise. Industry experts predict significant growth in vanadium production from secondary sources over the next five years, further strengthening its role as a sustainable resource.
Vanitec foresees vanadium gaining wider recognition as a key element in sustainable development. As global infrastructure expands to support growing populations and economies, vanadium’s ability to enhance material efficiency while reducing environmental impact is crucial. “Infrastructure needs to be built to create opportunity and improve lives,” says Perles. “If we want to foster development with minimal environmental impact, vanadium is critical to achieving our goals.”
Ferro-Alloy Resources Ltd (LON:FAR) is developing the giant Balasausqandiq vanadium deposit in Kyzylordinskaya oblast of southern Kazakhstan. The ore at this deposit is unlike that of nearly all other primary vanadium deposits and is capable of being treated by a much lower cost process.
