Nickel, made to last

See how nickel contributes to sustainability

Natural resource companies look to new sustainability policies not only to improve their social responsibility, but also to appeal to investors and funds. 

Research from Morningstar (CNBC) finds that 72% of all investors are at interested in some form in sustainable investments. The same research also demonstrates that while younger investors have a reputation for investing with environmental and social causes in mind, interest in these investments spans all generations.

As well as being an infinitely recyclable material, nickel enables other technologies which are contributing to sustainability. A great example is concentrated solar power where nickel alloys are essential to withstand high temperatures.

Nickel is also one of the critical raw materials to move the world to an electrified world, important to combat global warming. Electric vehicles (EVs) contain batteries that can be recycled and their adaption is growing rapidly. Improved Electrical Energy Storage (ES) involving nickel-containing batteries is increasingly key to providing electrical grid stability, improving the efficiency and reliability of wind and solar energy sources.

Not only is nickel important to sustainability, but also to human development. In medicine, nickel-containing materials, including stainless steels, have been recognized for decades as safe, easy to clean and hygienic. Engineering and Architecture also understand the strength benefits that nickel alloy offers. A recent example can be seen in Canada, with the recently inaugurated bridge linking Quebec and eastern Canadian communities for 58 years with a new 17,000 tonnes stainless steel bridge designed to last 125 years. Extensive life cycle cost analysis has demonstrated the cost-effectiveness of using more durable materials on all core elements. Three types of alloys were used, all containing chrome and nickel. The result: sleek design, durability and safety.

Having such an important role in the electric world, as well as the development of cities, we consider nickel the “green metal” of choice.

The 3,4km Champlain Bridge is the busiest in Canada carrying over 50 million vehicles annually and about 11 million transit users. Inaugurated on 1 July 2019.

Sources:
CNBC
Nickel Institute