Rare earth crisis brings Germans to India

Germany’s offshore wind industry, rattled by China’s grip over rare earth magnets, is beginning to look beyond Beijing—and India has emerged as a possible alternative.

- Rituraj Baruah & Manas Pimpalkhare

Rare earth magnets are a critical input in the global energy transition, particularly for offshore wind turbines.

(REUTERS)

As geopolitical risks mount and supply chains come under strain, German companies are exploring whether India can help diversify sourcing of a critical input for Europe’s clean energy push, according to two people aware of the discussions.

The interest is still at an early, exploratory stage. Last month, during a visit by a German delegation led by Johann Saathoff, parliamentary state secretary to Germany’s federal minister for economic cooperation and development, the possibility of collaborating with India on manufacturing rare earth magnets was discussed with the Indian government, the people said.