Arizona-based First Solar, Inc., a leading U.S. photovoltaic (PV) solar technology and manufacturing company, has funded the Endowed Professorship in Critical Energy Materials at Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T). This professorship, housed in Missouri S&T’s materials science and engineering department, highlights the strong partnership between First Solar and the university. Over the past decade, the two have collaborated on advancing critical minerals research, especially tellurium. Notably, First Solar is the only U.S.-headquartered company among the world’s top solar panel manufacturers.
Dr. Michael Moats, professor and chair of materials science and engineering at Missouri S&T, has collaborated with First Solar for many years, offering guidance on tellurium supply and ways to enhance its sustainable and cost-effective recovery from current operations. He views First Solar’s endowment as a crucial step in Missouri S&T’s goal to lead in critical minerals research by building expertise in all aspects of the supply chain that bring these vital materials to market.
Mike Koralewski, chief supply chain officer at First Solar, said “We recognize Missouri S&T’s unparalleled depth of expertise in responsible production of critical energy materials, and we’re pleased to be able to help ensure that this endures into the future. Our relationship is a great example of what’s possible when industry and academia work together to secure critical supply chains.”
Moats says, “The position will plug into our team and complement the expertise we already have throughout the supply chain, from policy and economics to cleaning up afterwards. The generosity and foresight of First Solar will enhance our ability to impact the nation and the world. The endowed professorship adds to the already extensive amount of work Missouri S&T has undertaken in the critical minerals arena.”
He further added, “The fact is, other economies dominate the global market for certain elements, and when restrictions are placed on those elements, there’s the potential to disrupt manufacturing, slow down our fight against climate change and impact our national security. By ensuring that extractive metallurgy is taught at a college level, First Solar is helping us address these challenges.”
Koralewski mentioned, “First Solar’s hope is to support research that benefits as many people and organizations as possible. As America’s solar company, we want to help enhance our country’s critical mineral security by enabling Missouri S&T. If discoveries made as part of our collaboration with Missouri S&T can be disseminated and more widely adopted, it will have a much more meaningful impact.”
Missouri S&T hosts the Thomas J. O’Keefe Center for Critical Minerals, which promotes research and academic activities, such as the National Science Foundation-funded Resilient Supply of Critical Minerals workshop, held for the fourth time in August 2023. The university also leads the Critical Minerals and Materials for Advanced Energy Tech Hub consortium, selected in October 2023 as one of 31 tech hubs under the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration’s Tech Hub Program.
First Solar is dedicated to supporting education that prepares the future workforce to advance the mining industry’s role in the green energy transition. By funding this professorship, the company aims to promote research and education that equip professionals with the skills to innovate in mining and materials science. This initiative underscores First Solar’s commitment to developing sustainable solutions and technologies for a greener future.
