Why we need to think together the raw materials and energy transitions
The interplay between mining and renewable energies: A critical challenge
Many mining companies present themselves as ‘green’ because the raw materials they extract – such as lithium, cobalt and copper – are essential for renewable energy technologies and electric vehicles. Forecasts show that the demand for these metals will increase significantly by 2050 to support so-called ‘green technologies’. These include not only wind turbines and solar systems, but also electric cars and other battery-based systems. There are often more sustainable alternatives to these technologies that require fewer metals.
Metal requirements for renewable energies: Efficiency and sustainability
An analysis of PowerShift, based on data from the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), shows that renewable energy production does not require much more metals than fossil energy systems. On the contrary: Technologies such as small hydropower plants or photovoltaic systems (PV) on roofs perform significantly better than coal-fired power plants.
For example, a small hydropower plant needs about 340 grams of metal per megawatt hour (MWh) of electricity generated, while a coal-fired power plant needs up to 3,920 grams of metal per MWh. Coal-fired power plants use up to 11 times more metals per megawatt hour generated than a small hydroelectric power plant. Despite the high demand for metals in the expansion of renewable energies, the overall material intensity is lower, especially if one takes into account the additional consumption of fossil raw materials in conventional power plants.
Towards a just and sustainable energy transition
The development of renewable energy infrastructure is essential to effectively combat climate change. At the same time, this expansion must not ignore the social and environmental consequences of the extraction of raw materials, especially in the Global South. The increasing demand for critical metals such as lithium, cobalt and rare earths does not justify exploitation of humans and ecosystems. Instead, this development underscores the urgency of a comprehensive Reversal of raw materials, which fundamentally changes the handling of raw materials and focuses on reduction and circular economy.
Resource efficiency and circular economy as a solution
A sustainable energy transition requires the use of resource-efficient technologies and the promotion of a circular economy. This includes extended product life cycles through repair, recycling and reuse. Innovative approaches to material use, such as reducing the use of rare earths in wind turbines, can significantly reduce the ecological footprint of renewable technologies.
The role of critical metals in the global energy transition
Renewable energies require a large number of critical metals, the mining of which is often associated with significant environmental and social costs. Countries such as Chile (copper), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (cobalt) or Australia (bauxite) face major challenges in terms of water consumption, land use and emissions. This underlines the need for strict environmental and human rights standards in the global supply chain for critical raw materials.
Need for action
The raw materials transition and the energy transition must be considered together. By reducing material consumption, implementing circular economy approaches and ensuring responsible mining conditions, we can create a fairer and more sustainable global energy economy. Politicians, businesses and consumers need to take responsibility together to drive this transformation forward.
