15 September 2025

Gallium nitride: why gallium matters to next-generation power electronics

Key insights from this briefing

Why is gallium nitride important for next-generation electronics?

Gallium nitride can operate at higher voltages, temperatures and switching frequencies than conventional silicon. These properties make GaN attractive for efficient power electronics, fast charging, 5G communications, electric vehicles and other applications where high power density and low energy loss are important.

Why can gallium prices be volatile even when long-term demand is strong?

Gallium is produced mainly as a by-product of the aluminium industry rather than from dedicated gallium mines. Supply therefore cannot respond quickly to a change in gallium demand, while production and refining are geographically concentrated. In a relatively small market, changes in export policy or inventory can produce large price swings.

Excerpt from this briefing's Industry Insight

Gallium is a soft metal with a melting point close to body temperature, but its strategic value comes mainly from compound semiconductors such as gallium nitride. GaN devices can operate at higher voltages and temperatures and switch faster than conventional silicon, supporting applications in 5G, electric vehicles and high-efficiency power electronics. Supply remains constrained because gallium is largely recovered as a by-product of aluminium production, so stronger demand does not automatically trigger a rapid increase in output.

This is an excerpt from the Industry Insight in the full Market Briefing. Log in to access the complete briefing.