IEA’s :The Role of Critical Minerals in Clean Energy Transitions

There will be a press webinar on Wednesday, at 11:00 AM Paris time, with Dr Fatih Birol, IEA Executive Director, to review the main findings and implications of the report. The webinar is open to journalists and will also be livestreamed.

This new World Energy Outlook special report is the most comprehensive study to date on the complex links between critical minerals – such as copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt and rare earth metals – and the prospects for a secure and rapid transformation of the energy sector.

Minerals are an essential component for many of today’s rapidly growing clean energy technologies – from wind turbines and electricity networks to electric vehicles. As more countries and companies pledge to reach net zero emissions, clean energy transitions are gaining unprecedented momentum. The report assesses the supply challenges that could affect an acceleration of energy transitions, and explores the implications for policy makers as they seek to balance ensuring reliable supplies with promoting responsible and sustainable development of mineral resources.

Alongside a wealth of detail on mineral demand prospects under different technology and policy assumptions, it examines whether today’s mineral investments can meet the needs of a fast-changing energy sector. It considers the task ahead to promote responsible and sustainable development of mineral resources, and provides key insights and implications for policy makers, including six key IEA recommendations for a new, comprehensive approach to mineral security.

The special report will be shared under embargo with reporters who sign up for the webinar. It is also available upon request at press@iea.org.

Please note that the report and other materials are under embargo until 7:00 AM Paris time on Wednesday, 5 May.