The scarcity of essential raw materials such as silicon, aluminum, and lithium poses significant challenges to the advancement of green technologies, according to a recent study by the INGENIO Institute. This research, conducted in collaboration with institutions including the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and the Universitat Politècnica de València, highlights the potential obstacles to the green transition stemming from the complexities involved in extracting these critical materials.
Published in the journal Industry and Innovation, the study explores the relationship between critical raw materials (CRMs) and the technologies vital for sustainability initiatives, particularly the European Green Deal. The findings indicate that difficulties in sourcing these materials may hinder the production of solar panels and electric vehicles, which are heavily reliant on these resources.
The European Union categorizes critical raw materials as those necessary for specific sectors, especially renewable energy, yet whose availability is jeopardized due to concentrated production in a limited number of countries. The article, titled “Mapping Critical Raw Materials in Green Technologies,” utilizes global technology patent data and text mining techniques to identify the most vital materials. Following silicon, aluminum, and lithium, the study highlights copper, nickel, zinc, magnesium, rare earth elements, platinum group metals, and cobalt as crucial for various applications, including electricity generation, energy storage, and climate change mitigation technologies.
Understanding the Global Dependency
According to Davide Consoli, a researcher at INGENIO and co-author of the publication, the primary goal was to assess the viability of the green transition while acknowledging the dual roles of countries as either developers of green technologies or suppliers of critical raw materials. This analysis is particularly relevant as the EU aims to increase domestic production of strategic raw materials to at least 10% of its consumption by 2030.
Countries like Russia, Australia, Taiwan, and Japan exhibit a high dependency on these materials, as their economies rely on the processing or manufacturing of components that utilize them, such as microchips and semiconductors. The study also reveals a concerning gap among European nations, where countries like Austrian, Czech Republic, Switzerland, and Portugal face high dependence on CRMs but struggle with insufficient supplies. In contrast, Spain, Germany, and France demonstrate greater production of certain critical materials while maintaining a diversified technological base that reduces their dependency.
Addressing Risks and Streamlining Supply Chains
One of the key observations from the research is the disconnect between nations that produce critical raw materials, such as Chile, Argentina, Democratic Republic of Congo, and India, and those leading in green technology innovation, including the United States, Germany, and Japan. Consoli emphasizes the necessity for policies that not only foster international cooperation with countries that have limited innovation capabilities but also enhance strategies that mitigate supply risks and promote sustainable mining practices.
The study further underscores the urgent need for improved recycling and reuse capabilities concerning critical raw materials. By enhancing these aspects, there is potential to alleviate pressure on natural resources and ensure the success of the green transition is not jeopardized. The findings from this research highlight the intricate dynamics of global supply chains and the importance of addressing these challenges to support sustainable development effectively.
