Executive summary – The Role of Critical Minerals in Clean Energy Transitions – Analysis - IEA

In the transition to clean energy, critical minerals bring new challenges to energy security An energy system powered by clean energy technologies differs profoundly from one fuelled by traditional hydrocarbon resources. Solar photovoltaic (PV) plants, wind farms and electric vehicles (EVs) generally require more minerals to build than their fossil fuel-based counterparts. A typical electric car requires six times the mineral inputs of a conventional car and an onshore wind plant requires nine times more mineral resources than a gas-fired plant. Since 2010 the average amount of minerals needed for a new unit of power generation capacity has increased by 50% as the share of renewables in new investment has risen. Minerals used in clean energy technologies compared to other power generation sources Openexpand Minerals used in electric cars compared to conventional cars Openexpand The types of mineral resources used vary by technology. Lithium, nickel, cobalt, manganese and graphite are c...