What we do
Challenge and GREENE Solution
The GREENE project unites 15 European partners from 9 countries, with outstanding expertise in their respective fields, including material scientists, magnet manufacturers, recyclers, lifecycle analysis experts, and end user representatives. Led by the Jožef Stefan Institute, this interdisciplinary team is uniquely positioned to re-engineer magnets that align with Europe’s sustainability goals.
The Challenge
Rare-earth-element (REE) permanent magnets based on neodymium-iron-boron (Nd–Fe–B) are indispensable in producing high-tech products and advanced industrial applications. They form essential parts of electric vehicles and wind turbines, making them central to Europe’s green energy future. While these magnets offer exceptional performance, they also present challenges – chief among them Europe’s dependence on external imports and environmental issues linked to the mining and refining of Rare Earth Elements.
The GREENE Solution
In response, GREENE develops high-performance, cost effective and more sustainable permanent magnets with reduced Rare Earth content. The project focuses on redesigning Nd-Fe-B magnets by replacing the Rare Earth Element Neodymium in the grain boundary, creating an advanced material with improved characteristics. This approach is applied to both virgin and recycled feedstocks, addressing supply dependency while contributing to a more resilient, circular economy in Europe.
Discover our objectives and how we want to achieve them in more detail!
