Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment

The Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment is pleased to welcome you to the thirteenth annual Princeton E‑ffiliates Partnership Retreat. 

Rare earth elements (REEs) are critical for the energy transition, communications, high-tech electronics and defense systems, yet the U.S. imports more than 75% of its needs. This reliance on other nations exposes U.S. industries to price fluctuations and supply restrictions based on international trade and geopolitical tensions. At this Retreat, we will discuss the vulnerabilities and opportunities for U.S. REE supplies, with a special focus on research and innovation with the potential to enhance the security and quantity of supplies. Advances in characterization, extraction, processing, refining, and recycling will be considered across conventional mineral resources and unconventional sources such as electronic waste, legacy aviation, coal waste, wastewater, and even the ocean floor. Experts from academia and industry will also share views on policy and investments necessary to catalyze, commercialize, and scale opportunities to build a resilient and sustainable REE supply for the future.