AI Data Center Boom Sparks Demand for Rare Earths Erbium and Yttrium
量子位 · wechat · 2026-09-02
The rapid expansion of AI data centers has highlighted the importance of two rare earth elements: Erbium and Yttrium.
- Erbium (Er): Used in Erbium-Doped Fiber Amplifiers (EDFA) to boost long-distance optical signals, crucial for inter-datacenter connectivity.
- Yttrium (Y): Used in thermal barrier coatings for gas turbine blades, allowing higher operating temperatures and better power generation efficiency.
- China's Dominance: China controls nearly 100% of the global supply chain for processing these metals, giving it a significant strategic advantage in the AI infrastructure buildout.
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