Title : How the impact of scarce/critical materials can influence the energy transition
Abstract:
The transition to sustainable energy sources is crucial for addressing climate change and reducing our reliance on fossil fuels; the CO2 footprint reduction requires the development and deployment of new materials that can support renewable energy technologies, such as rare earth elements, lithium, cobalt, nickel, which are critical for manufacturing batteries, solar panels, hydrogen electrolysers, wind turbines storage devices, superconductors, catalysts, and others.
However, this must not come to the detriment of other negative environment and social footprints, which can arise in the extraction and processing of critical materials. Mining activities can lead to deforestation, water pollution, and human rights abuses. Addressing these issues requires international cooperation and the implementation of sustainable and ethical practices. Ensuring that the energy transition does not come at the expense of local communities and ecosystems is therefore also a key geopolitical challenge.
The transition to renewable energy can enhance energy security by reducing dependence on fossil fuel imports. However, it also introduces new dependencies on critical materials. Balancing these dependencies and ensuring a stable, flexible and resilient supply chain is essential for maintaining energy security.
The distribution of critical materials is highly uneven across the globe; the concentration of resources in specific regions can lead to supply chain vulnerabilities and geopolitical tensions, as countries compete for access to these essential materials. For example, the European Union and the United States are working to reduce their dependence on foreign sources by investing in domestic mining and recycling capabilities. Diversifying supply sources and developing alternative materials are crucial strategies to mitigate these dependencies.
The geopolitical aspects of materials for the energy transition are complex and multifaceted. Addressing these challenges requires a coordinated global effort to ensure a sustainable, secure, and equitable transition to renewable energy. By understanding and managing the geopolitical dimensions, we can better navigate the path towards a cleaner and more resilient energy future.
Audience Take Away Notes:
- Identify existing and new components needed for the future energy system, and analyse the supply chain from raw material sources to processing stages as well as end-of-life features
- Involve the industry to collect inputs on present and future constraints on availability of raw materials, manufacturing capacity and recycling potential for the identified components
- Focus on the whole life cycle of the components, through eco-design, LCA and application of sustainability criteria
- Analyse the degree of circularity (in order of preference: re-use, re-cycle, sustainable disposal) and derive correspondant innovation recommendations
