Uses & Applications

Applications and End-Uses for Rhenium

Rhenium (Re) is a high-criticality refractory metal with a diverse range of industrial and technological applications. As global demand for advanced materials intensifies, understanding where and how Rhenium is consumed provides essential context for supply chain planning, investment analysis, and policy development.

Key Applications

The primary end-uses of Rhenium span multiple sectors, each contributing to its classification as a critical material. The following applications represent the most significant sources of global demand:

• Jet engine superalloys — Rhenium plays a vital role in jet engine superalloys, where its unique physical and chemical properties provide performance advantages that are difficult to replicate with alternative materials.
• Petroleum reforming catalysts — Rhenium plays a vital role in petroleum reforming catalysts, where its unique physical and chemical properties provide performance advantages that are difficult to replicate with alternative materials.
• High-temperature thermocouples — Rhenium plays a vital role in high-temperature thermocouples, where its unique physical and chemical properties provide performance advantages that are difficult to replicate with alternative materials.
• Electrical contacts — Rhenium plays a vital role in electrical contacts, where its unique physical and chemical properties provide performance advantages that are difficult to replicate with alternative materials.

Sector Breakdown

The largest consuming sector for Rhenium is jet engine superalloys, which accounts for a substantial share of global demand. The second most significant application is petroleum reforming catalysts, which has shown strong growth in recent years driven by technology adoption and regulatory requirements. Emerging applications across clean energy, defense, and advanced manufacturing are expected to expand the demand profile for Rhenium in the coming decade.

Demand Outlook

With a criticality level of high and a supply risk rating of high, the demand trajectory for Rhenium is closely monitored by governments and industry analysts. The European Union has similarly recognized its importance through inclusion on the EU Critical Raw Materials list. Growing demand from electrification, digitalization, and defense modernization programs is expected to place additional pressure on existing supply chains.