EU wind magnet supply resilience: roadmap to cut China dependence by 2030

EU Wind

Europe’s wind industry launched an EU wind magnet supply resilience roadmap to reduce reliance on China. The plan targets 30% “resilient” permanent magnets by 2030. It also aims for 50% by 2035, with 35% rare earths from resilient sources by 2030. This EU wind magnet supply resilience push aligns with the Critical Raw Materials Act and fast-growing offshore wind needs.

OEM actions and timelines to build resilient magnet supply

Manufacturers must move quickly to secure EU wind magnet supply resilience. OEMs will identify alternative magnet suppliers and sign MOUs by mid-2025. They should then qualify and onboard suppliers, with offtakes finalized by end-2026. As a result, resilient production should deliver magnets by late 2028. First “resilient wind turbines” could commission in 2029.

Policy tools, recycling, and market design to diversify sources

The roadmap defines resilience through diversified sourcing across mining, separation, and magnet making. It counts recycled magnets as resilient, supporting circular supply chains. Meanwhile, it urges raw-materials funds, grants, and loans to de-risk projects. It also proposes pooled EU demand, a magnet budget in the Innovation Fund, and a new EU magnet price index.

Europe’s plan responds to tightening Chinese export controls on rare earth magnets. Therefore, OEMs need flexible qualification criteria through 2028 to widen supplier pools. Stricter prequalification may start in 2030, pending review. Ultimately, resilient NdFeB supply should stabilize costs and timelines for offshore wind expansions.

The Metalnomist Commentary

This roadmap sets practical milestones that match turbine project cycles. Execution now hinges on rapid financing for European NdPr processing and magnet lines. Watch how recycling volumes and non-Chinese feedstock contracts scale through 2028.