NIOBIUM POWERING THE PLANET

Niobium microalloyed steels are used in wind turbine gears to improve fatigue resistance. They also cut production costs by reducing energy consumption during manufacturing.

Niobium oxide can be used in the cathode, electrolyte and anode of lithium-ion battery technologies for electric power delivery and for power storage. More efficient niobium batteries aim to meet the growth challenges of vehicle electrification by improving power density, safety and charge cycles while keeping costs low. Recent developments show that niobium in batteries can make a significant difference to the range and performance of electric vehicles.

Most of the world’s 3.5 million km of high pressure gas and oil pipelines contain niobium to make them safer, lighter and able to transport large volumes of hydrocarbons at higher pressures. Joining pipes by welding sections together is critical to stability and niobium technologies help achieve the highest international standards in the most demanding environments.