Interesting facts on Cobalt from interview The Energy Report, Gordon Monk of Performance Capital Advisers Apr 2010:
Gordon Monk: There are a number of sectors that I'm interested in. There's been a tremendous move of capital to wind in recent years. Certainly solar is another area that's also gaining a lot of attention. One of the areas that I'm focused on right now would be hybrid electric vehicles, specifically the batteries containing cobalt.
TER: There have been some failures with batteries containing cobalt. Some reports indicate there is a small possibility of those batteries catching fire. Do you have some information that you could share with us on this topic?
GM: As I understand it, the problems associated with those batteries had to do with overheating. The chemistry was such that the batteries would release a small amount of oxygen, which then creates the chance of possible combustion. There's been a lot of technology focused on the problem. Modern batteries now are equipped with microchips that control the discharge conditions of batteries. There have also been additives to the batteries which have more or less solved the problem. With the problems being solved, the benefits of using those batteries far outweigh the negatives of the past.
TER: Do you see cobalt continuing to be used in these types of batteries?
GM: Oh, absolutely. A report by J.P. Morgan suggests that the current output of around 740,000 units is going to increase to 12.9 million by 2020. So I think that in itself is a pretty strong indication that cobalt is here to stay.
TER: What do you find interesting about wind and solar companies? Their potential?
GM: Yes, it falls into the whole movement to green. In recent years there's just a tremendous focus on the environment and the environmental problems associated with conventional energy. I can speak to oil and gas and coal, the usual culprits. I find solar and wind fascinating because they solve a lot of the problems associated with greenhouse gas emissions. The capital flows that are going into these areas suggest to me that they are here to stay. I think there are tremendous opportunities in the space.
TER: How is cobalt connected to solar and wind technologies?
GM: Cobalt plays a role in renewable solar panel technology and wind generation. Cobalt is also used as a super alloy in wind turbines.
TER: So you see increased demand for cobalt because of wind and solar technologies, in addition to batteries?
GM: Yes, because of the batteries and because of the green movement in general. Cobalt is not just found in batteries and that's something that's key. I think a lot people misunderstand that. Batteries currently account for around 26% of the market for cobalt. Super alloys, which include turbine blades and heat-resistant steel, account for another 23% to 25% of the market. It's underappreciated about what it can do.
