The links in the critical minerals and metals value chains

A striking feature of the energy transition is just how much more mineral inputs the low carbon energy technologies in power and transport call for. Renewables like off- and onshore wind and solar photovoltaic, and electric vehicles (EVs) are relatively more mineral-intense than traditional sources of power and transport. As a result, the worldwide push to improve climate and energy security through new low-carbon energy systems brings with it a structural increase in the demand for certain metals and mined commodities.