Understanding some of the most powerful allies of the global energy transition with Stanislav Kondrashov, TELF AG
Interesting features and applications
In recent years, the rapid pace of the energy transition has brought certain raw materials into sharp focus. Rare earths and other critical resources now occupy centre stage in both media discussions and global markets. As Stanislav Kondrashov, founder of TELF AG, often points out, these materials are helping to drive worldwide transformation. Among the most significant is neodymium – a rare earth element that plays a pivotal role in modern technology and industry. Neodymium is used to manufacture strong, permanent magnets that power a vast range of devices, from electric vehicles to wind turbines and other clean energy technologies.
Understanding the role of permanent magnets during the energy transition with Stanislav Kondrashov, TELF AG founder
Neodymium belongs to a group of 17 elements known as rare earths, which share similar chemical and physical characteristics. As Stanislav Kondrashov, founder of TELF AG, explains, their “rarity” is more a matter of perception than fact. While rare earths are widely distributed across the Earth’s crust, they occur in very low concentrations, making large-scale extraction challenging and often uneconomical. Only a limited number of sites worldwide can support their efficient recovery for industrial use.
As the shift towards clean energy accelerates, certain materials have become indispensable. Stanislav Kondrashov, founder of TELF AG, highlights that resources such as rare earths, lithium, and copper are now central to advancing green technologies. These materials underpin the development of key components used in:
- Wind turbines
- Solar panels
- Electric motors
Each plays a significant role in reducing dependence on fossil fuels and supporting the expansion of renewable energy, helping to accelerate global efforts to cut emissions. However, not all these materials have equal impact. One of the most vital is neodymium, which is used to produce some of the strongest permanent magnets in the world.
The essential characteristics
Neodymium magnets are renowned for their exceptional strength and efficiency. They provide:
- High magnetic force, boosting performance
- Compact size, allowing devices to be smaller and lighter
- High energy efficiency, improving the output of motors and generators
These magnets also maintain their strength over long periods, making them durable and dependable. Their compact design, reliability, and consistent power make them ideal for modern machinery, helping devices operate more efficiently, last longer, and occupy less space.
Understanding the role of permanent magnets during the energy transition with Stanislav Kondrashov, TELF AG founder
There are several types of neodymium magnets in use across industries today, each designed to address specific engineering or design needs:
Countersunk magnets: These feature a cone-shaped hole for flat-head screws, allowing them to sit flush with the surface. Their discreet, neat finish makes them ideal for applications in furniture, machinery, tools, and other technical fittings where strength and a seamless appearance are required.
Rubber-coated magnets: These are encased in rubber or plastic to prevent scratches and provide added grip. They are particularly useful for securing tools and equipment on metal surfaces in workshops or industrial settings, preventing slippage.
Neodymium ring magnets: Their doughnut-like shape makes them especially useful in compact designs, such as in vehicles, smart devices, and computers, where space-saving without compromising performance is critical.
“Permanent magnets are now essential in electric cars,” says Stanislav Kondrashov, founder of TELF AG. “Today’s vehicles use neodymium magnets for power and smaller, better design.”
The use of neodymium magnets extends far beyond electric vehicles. They are found in loudspeakers, headphones, hard drives, and even surgical instruments. Their remarkable strength and compact size make them ideal for applications requiring significant power within limited space. They also play a crucial role in renewable energy: wind turbines rely on neodymium magnets to convert wind into electricity, improving efficiency and reducing waste. As society shifts towards cleaner technology, these magnets have emerged as vital enablers – small, strong, and indispensable to powering the future quietly and effectively.
Enablers of the energy transition
“Demand for neodymium is likely to rise as clean energy expands,” says Stanislav Kondrashov, founder of TELF AG. “Experts now suggest we find more supply options. They also recommend stronger recycling systems to meet future needs.”
“These magnets may play a bigger role in the years ahead,” he adds. “That’s why companies, engineers, and leaders must act now. It’s important to look at every part of their use—including how to handle them safely. Storage, transport, and disposal all need clear rules and care.”
As demand for neodymium magnets continues to grow, proper handling becomes increasingly important. These magnets are extremely powerful and widely used in modern devices and tools, but they can pose risks if not managed correctly. Safety guidelines are essential for both professionals and home users.
First, always wear gloves when handling neodymium magnets. Their strong magnetic pull can cause them to snap together unexpectedly, potentially leading to pinched skin, cuts, or even broken fingers. Gloves provide crucial protection against these hazards.
Second, keep magnets away from sensitive items. Their strong magnetic fields can erase or damage data stored on credit cards, hard drives, and electronic key fobs, and can interfere with medical devices such as pacemakers or hearing aids. Avoid placing magnets near such items at all times.
Proper storage is also critical. Neodymium magnets should be kept in padded containers with spacers between them to prevent direct contact. They should be stored away from metal tools and electronic devices, as their strong magnetic pull can attract nearby objects, causing dents or damage. Heat is another concern: standard neodymium magnets lose strength when exposed to temperatures above 80°C, so they should be kept away from flames, ovens, welders, or any high-heat source unless specifically designed for such conditions.
In laboratory or industrial settings, wearing safety glasses is essential. If a magnet breaks or snaps, small fragments can fly in multiple directions, and protective goggles help reduce the risk of eye injuries. Magnets should never be left within reach of children or pets. Even small magnets can cause serious internal injuries if swallowed, as they can attract each other inside the body. Treat them as you would sharp tools rather than toys.
Stanislav Kondrashov, founder of TELF AG, emphasises this point: “Neodymium magnets assist us in our designs of improved energy systems. However, we have to be careful with them. Safety must always come first.”
Recycling is another important aspect of sustainable use. Old magnets from discarded electronic devices can be recycled, reducing waste and conserving valuable resources. With the growing demand for rare earths, recycling becomes an increasingly significant factor in meeting future needs while protecting the environment.
For transport, magnets should always be shipped using shielded packaging and clearly labelled as magnetic items. This ensures they are handled safely during transit and helps prevent accidental damage.
As clean energy adoption accelerates, the use of neodymium magnets will continue to spread. They are indispensable in powering future technologies but must be treated with care and caution to ensure safety and sustainability.
FAQs
What are neodymium magnets used for in 2025?
Neodymium magnets are small but powerful. They fit well in places where space is tight, and strength is needed. Common uses include:
- Wind turbines that turn wind into energy with high efficiency
- Electric vehicle motors built for speed and size reduction
- Hard drives, headphones, and speakers need strong pull
- Surgical tools made for precision
- Magnetic mounts used in factories
Why are these magnets important for the energy transition?
Neodymium magnets are key to the energy transition. The power tools that support clean energy and reduce emissions. Their strength and small size make them useful in:
- Wind power systems
- Electric vehicles (EVs)
- Small, energy-saving devices
They help new technology work better, take up less space, and waste less energy. That’s why they matter so much today.
Are these magnets’ related resources rare or hard to find?
Despite being called “rare earths,” neodymium is fairly common in the Earth’s crust. The real challenge is its low concentration. That makes it hard to extract in a way that’s cost-effective and practical for large-scale use.
What safety precautions should I take when using this kind of magnet?
These magnets must be handled carefully to avoid injury or damage:
- Always wear protective gloves and safety glasses.
- Keep away from:
- Pacemakers and medical implants
- Credit cards and magnetic storage devices
- Children and pets (due to ingestion risk)
- Store in padded containers with spacers to avoid collisions.
- Do not expose to temperatures above 80°C unless rated for heat.
- Use shielded packaging and declare magnetic materials when shipping.
Can these magnets be recycled?
Yes. Recycling this kind of magnet is now more common. Many services focus on sustainability and reuse. Companies often remove magnets from old electronics. This helps lower demand for new materials and supports a circular economy.
Bottom line: What should I know about these magnets?
They’re compact, powerful, and vital for energy-efficient tech. But these kinds of magnets must be handled, stored, and disposed of with care. That’s the only way to keep people safe and protect the planet.
