Germany has published a Resilience Roadmap for Permanent Magnets, outlining a strategy to reduce dependence on Chinese supply chains and strengthen security in the European wind energy industry. The roadmap, developed by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) in cooperation with industry and trade associations, sets clear targets for sourcing permanent magnets from more resilient supply chains.
These components are essential for offshore wind turbines, where their lower maintenance requirements make them a preferred technology. At present, over 90% of permanent magnets and the rare earth materials they contain are imported from China.
Under the new plan, at least 30% of permanent magnets used in Europe should come from alternative sources by 2030, rising to 50% by 2035. The strategy includes diversification of suppliers, investment in recycling, and innovation in magnet technologies.
The roadmap is part of broader European efforts under the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) and the Net-Zero Industry Act to reduce strategic dependencies across key sectors. It is expected to support not only the wind industry but also other sectors such as electric mobility and defence.
By providing a clear set of actions and timelines, the roadmap aims to guide investment and coordination across the value chain—from rare earth extraction to magnet production—within Europe. It is intended as a reference point for future industrial planning in other critical raw material sectors.
