Bloom Energy not dependent on China for scandium, CEO says

Bloom Energy has clarified that its supply chain for scandium oxide, a key material used in its solid oxide fuel cells, is not dependent on China, according to a recent blog post. Scandium oxide is used as a dopant in the zirconium-oxide electrolyte of Bloom’s fuel cells, enhancing power density, durability, and fuel efficiency. While scandium is often described as a rare earth material, it is more abundant than lead and is typically recovered as a byproduct of industrial processes involving titanium, nickel, cobalt, and uranium.

Bloom has developed proprietary methods to recover scandium oxide from these industrial byproducts, reducing reliance on dedicated mining operations. The company sources scandium oxide from multiple suppliers across multiple countries, ensuring a diversified and resilient supply chain. According to the blog, Bloom’s current supply chain can support 25 GW per year of production capacity.

Scandium oxide is a critical input for Bloom’s fuel cell technology, which is used in on-site power generation for large buildings and industrial facilities. The company’s solid oxide fuel cells operate at higher efficiency than traditional gas-fired power stations and can run on natural gas, biogas, or hydrogen. As global demand for clean energy solutions grows, the role of materials like scandium oxide in enabling more efficient energy systems is expected to expand.

Despite its potential, scandium remains underutilized due to its high cost and limited supply, as it is primarily produced as a byproduct of other metals. However, Bloom’s approach to sourcing and processing scandium oxide has positioned it as a leader in the field, with the company reportedly being the world’s largest consumer of the material. This strategic advantage supports its long-term growth and technological differentiation in the energy transition.