Roadmap could lead to meeting EU’s raw materials needs by 2030

June 1, 2023

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EIT RawMaterials and the European Raw Materials Alliance (ERMA) have released a roadmap entitled ‘European Call for Action on Materials For Energy Storage and Conversion,’ that – if followed and given an investment of at least €15 billion – could supply many of the EU's raw materials needs by 2030.

Metals and minerals are key enablers of the European Green Deal and play an integral role in the shift to a circular green economy. As a result, the challenge of securing the exponentially growing demand for raw materials has now been elevated to the top of the political agenda. In March, the EU launched its proposed legal framework, the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA), which is viewed by many in the metals and minerals sector as the most vital action needed to reform the industry.

With the rise of solar, wind, and fuel cell technologies, more and more renewable energy will be produced, requiring high volumes of raw materials many of which are critical but scarce in Europe. Many energy sources, such as wind and solar power, are intermittent, therefore systems that provide energy storage and conversion can help to support the variability of these sources and ensure that energy is available when needed.

The ‘European Call for Action on Materials For Energy Storage and Conversion’ provides a roadmap for developing an entire raw materials value chain, from exploration to recycling. It addresses four primary strategic areas: materials in solar energy, battery materials, fuel cells, electrolysis, and alternative energy storage and conversion.

"For the past two years, we have seen a sudden surge in geopolitical disruption and instability that has shaken Europe to the core. Europe needs to rapidly expand and develop its own domestic raw materials pipeline to feed the renewables sector, like wind turbines and solar panels, but also other industry sectors such as defence and e-mobility. Europe must ramp up extraction and processing capacities domestically, which will not only decarbonise industry but also provide robust quantities of feedstock to enable a fully functioning recycling economy for raw materials," stated Bernd Schäfer, CEO, Managing Director, EIT RawMaterials.

The report, created through an open and inclusive process involving over 100 ERMA stakeholders, highlights investments and opportunities, outlines concrete actions and recommendations, and addresses policy bottlenecks and raw materials demand gaps.

‘European Call for Action on Materials For Energy Storage and Conversion’ is available here.

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