This page contains a short motivation on why critical materials are becoming ever more important for RE assessment and implementation. You can also find the slides as well as additional resources containing data and publications on the topic .
I. Critical Materials for the energy transition
Critical materials .
Critical materials are essential for the global energy transition, as they are key components in renewable energy technologies such as wind turbines, solar panels, and batteries for energy storage and electric vehicles. However, the analysis of the risk of supply and availability of such materials was a difficult endeavoir due to lack of reliable and mappable data.
Recently, new data sources and studies have provided valuable insights into supply chains, resource availability, and potential vulnerabilities, allowing policymakers and industry leaders to make informed decisions.
The European Union has recognized the strategic importance of securing a stable and sustainable supply of these materials, given their limited availability and the geopolitical risks associated with their extraction and trade (among others the EU eased in 2023 due to this recognition the “Critical Material Act“). This improved access to data helps in developing strategies for recycling, diversification of supply, and responsible sourcing, ultimately supporting Europe’s shift towards a more sustainable and resilient energy system. The increasing interest on common reliable data and assessment methodologies for criticality of relevant materials can be seen in the data bases and sources listed below.
After this brief motivation, Here go the slides for our lecture on the topic
II. Data sources and relevant publications
- Link to the Raw Material Information System of the European Union: