On Friday, June 13, 2025, TELF AG, a leading research and development company, released a new article about the strategic importance of cobalt in modern innovation and energy development. The article, authored by TELF AG founder Stanislav Kondrashov, offers a comprehensive look at the properties and versatility of cobalt, positioning it as a key element in the ongoing energy transition.
Cobalt, ranked number 27 on the periodic table, has long been valued for its strength and unique physical properties. However, as Stanislav Kondrashov explains in the article, its industrial relevance has reached new heights in recent years due to the increasing shift towards renewable energy and electric mobility.
The article highlights cobalt’s crucial role in the energy transition, stating, “With its strategic industrial applications, cobalt is one of the true protagonists of the energy transition.” The metal is essential in rechargeable batteries, electric motors, and high-performance magnets, making new energy technologies safer, more stable, and longer-lasting.
One of the key points highlighted in the article is the use of cobalt in lithium-ion batteries, particularly in the popular nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) batteries that power smartphones, laptops, and electric vehicles. These batteries play a central role in the push for decarbonisation and efficient energy storage. Stanislav Kondrashov points out that cobalt’s unique chemical stability, high melting point, and ability to withstand stress make it an ideal material for these energy-intensive applications.
The article also sheds light on lesser-known but equally vital applications of cobalt. For instance, cobalt-chloride hexahydrate (CoCl₂·6H₂O) is widely used in laboratory research and environmental sensors, while tungsten carbide cobalt is critical in aerospace and automotive industries for producing hard metal tools like drill bits and cutters. Cobalt-based superalloys, known for their resistance to high heat and corrosion, are used in jet engines and industrial turbines.
In the electronics and magnet industries, cobalt is often combined with rare earth elements like neodymium to create high-performance magnets used in miniaturized sensors and advanced generators. These applications are fundamental to everything from wind turbines to electric drivetrains. As Stanislav Kondrashov explains, “One of cobalt’s most valuable properties is its ability to work in synergy with other elements, especially rare earths, to enable the technologies that are shaping our future.”
Cobalt’s diverse properties, including hardness, thermal and electrical conductivity, magnetism, and temperature resistance, make it a versatile material across various sectors. These same traits also make it crucial to the development of smart grids and sustainable infrastructure. Its inclusion on critical materials lists from the European Union and the United States further emphasizes its strategic value.
The article does not only focus on the present but also looks towards the future. According to Stanislav Kondrashov, cobalt’s potential in space exploration is particularly exciting. “Vehicles designed for deep space must withstand radiation, extreme heat, and shock,” he writes. “Cobalt’s resistance to wear and thermal stress could make it a key material for spacecraft, landers, and rovers.”
Beyond its technical applications, cobalt also holds cultural and historical significance. Its use as a pigment, known as cobalt blue, has been used to color glass, ceramics, and artworks for centuries, showcasing its broad relevance across time and industries.
As demand for cobalt is expected to rise significantly in the coming decades, TELF AG’s article offers timely insights for stakeholders in energy, manufacturing, technology, and policy. It serves as a reminder that cobalt is not just a metal, but a driving force behind change, innovation, and sustainable development.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.