First Solar Backs Missouri S&T in Strengthening Critical Material Supply Chains
Arizona-headquartered First Solar, a leading photovoltaic (PV) solar technology and manufacturing company, has announced the establishment of the Endowed Professorship in Critical Energy Materials at Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T). This significant contribution highlights the strategic collaboration between First Solar and Missouri S&T, particularly in advancing the sustainable production and supply chain resilience of critical minerals like tellurium, a key component in First Solar’s solar panels.
A Decade-Long Partnership
Over the past decade, First Solar and Missouri S&T have developed a robust partnership centered on the exploration and sustainable recovery of tellurium. Mike Koralewski, Chief Supply Chain Officer at First Solar, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating, “We recognize Missouri S&T’s unparalleled depth of expertise in responsible production of critical energy materials, and we’re pleased to be able to help ensure that this endures into the future. Our relationship is a great example of what’s possible when industry and academia work together to secure critical supply chains.”
Dr. Michael Moats, professor and chair of materials science and engineering at Missouri S&T, has played a pivotal role in advising First Solar on optimizing tellurium supply chains. He highlighted the significance of the endowed professorship in bolstering Missouri S&T’s leadership in critical minerals research. “The position will plug into our team and complement the expertise we already have throughout the supply chain, from policy and economics to cleaning up afterwards,” said Moats. “The generosity and foresight of First Solar will enhance our ability to impact the nation and the world.”
Expanding Expertise in Critical Minerals
The establishment of the Endowed Professorship is part of Missouri S&T’s broader strategy to lead in the field of critical minerals. The university is home to the Thomas J. O’Keefe Center for Critical Minerals, a hub for advanced research and scholarly activities. This center hosted the fourth annual Resilient Supply of Critical Minerals workshop, funded by the National Science Foundation, in August. Missouri S&T also leads the Critical Minerals and Materials for Advanced Energy Tech Hub consortium, one of 31 technology hubs selected by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration in October 2023.
These initiatives aim to address the growing challenges posed by global reliance on critical minerals, particularly those dominated by foreign economies. “The fact is, other economies dominate the global market for certain elements, and when restrictions are placed on those elements, there’s the potential to disrupt manufacturing, slow down our fight against climate change, and impact our national security,” Moats explained. “By ensuring that extractive metallurgy is taught at a college level, First Solar is helping us address these challenges.”
Supporting the Green Energy Transition
First Solar’s investment reflects its commitment to fostering a workforce equipped to support the mining and materials industries as they transition to green energy. By endowing the professorship, the company aims to drive research and innovation that will enable the sustainable production of critical minerals, thereby contributing to the global energy transition.
“As America’s solar company, we want to help enhance our country’s critical mineral security by enabling Missouri S&T,” Koralewski said. “If discoveries made as part of our collaboration with Missouri S&T can be disseminated and more widely adopted, it will have a much more meaningful impact.”
Pioneering Research for a Sustainable Future
Missouri S&T’s leadership in critical minerals research is built on decades of expertise in extractive metallurgy, materials science, and sustainable production methods. With the addition of the Endowed Professorship, the university will further strengthen its position as a leader in addressing critical supply chain challenges.
The research conducted at Missouri S&T will span the entire lifecycle of critical minerals, from extraction and refining to recycling and waste management. By integrating expertise in policy, economics, and environmental stewardship, the university aims to develop innovative solutions that ensure the responsible use of critical materials.
Advancing Tellurium Recovery
Tellurium, a metalloid essential for First Solar’s cadmium telluride (CdTe) solar panels, is a prime focus of the partnership. As one of the largest producers of CdTe solar technology, First Solar relies on a stable and sustainable supply of tellurium. Missouri S&T’s research has been instrumental in identifying opportunities to improve the recovery and recycling of this critical material.
Dr. Moats and his team are exploring advanced metallurgical processes to increase the affordability and sustainability of tellurium recovery from mining operations. These efforts not only support First Solar’s supply chain but also contribute to broader efforts to secure domestic supplies of critical minerals.
Addressing National and Global Challenges
The partnership between First Solar and Missouri S&T addresses some of the most pressing challenges facing the green energy transition. As nations around the world work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to renewable energy sources, the demand for critical minerals continues to grow. However, the supply chains for these materials are often vulnerable to geopolitical tensions, trade restrictions, and environmental concerns.
By investing in education and research, First Solar and Missouri S&T are working to mitigate these risks and ensure a reliable supply of critical materials. This collaboration demonstrates the importance of public-private partnerships in driving innovation and addressing complex global challenges.
Inspiring the Next Generation
One of the key objectives of the Endowed Professorship is to inspire and educate the next generation of engineers, scientists, and policymakers. By integrating cutting-edge research with hands-on learning opportunities, Missouri S&T aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to lead in the critical minerals and green energy sectors.
First Solar’s support will enable the university to attract top-tier talent and expand its academic programs in materials science and engineering. This investment in education is crucial for building a pipeline of skilled professionals who can address the challenges of the 21st century.
A Vision for the Future
The establishment of the Endowed Professorship in Critical Energy Materials at Missouri S&T marks a significant milestone in the partnership between First Solar and the university. This collaboration not only advances the state of critical minerals research but also underscores the importance of industry-academia partnerships in driving innovation and sustainability.
As the world transitions to a low-carbon economy, the need for sustainable and resilient supply chains for critical materials will only grow. By working together, First Solar and Missouri S&T are paving the way for a brighter, greener, and more sustainable future.
