The energy transition is an increasingly present reality in the world, with the aim of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating the impacts of climate change. However, this transition may come up against a little-discussed problem: the shortage of critical minerals.
Data presented by McKinsey analysts point out that the supply of many minerals and metals necessary for the manufacture of the main low-carbon technologies may face a serious shortage process by 2030.
According to a report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), the demand for critical minerals, such as lithium, cobalt, nickel and manganese, should increase significantly in the coming years, due to the growth in the production of electric vehicles, energy storage batteries and renewable technologies.
In the survey, some materials that will suffer from this problem were presented, among them, nickel that can undergo a modest reduction of 10 to 20%. Another material is dysprosium, which works as a magnetic material used in electric motors and now has a reduction of up to 70% in demand.
Electric vehicles are an important transitional technology in the quest for a more sustainable automotive industry. However, they require more minerals in their production phase when compared to their conventional competitors. According to consultancy McKinsey, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are typically 15 to 20% heavier than comparable internal combustion engine vehicles, which could become an important factor for the demand for materials in the coming decades. Therefore, it is essential to invest in technologies that allow the recycling and reuse of these minerals, in addition to seeking alternatives that are less dependent on these resources. The transition to a more sustainable automotive industry is a global challenge that requires integrated and innovative solutions to ensure a cleaner and safer future for all.
European Union countries are seeking agreements with Latin America to secure a supply chain of critical minerals, given the risk of scarcity of these resources. The CELAC-EU summit, for example, resulted in an agreement with Chile for essential supplies to key sectors of European decarbonization, such as the electric vehicle industry. This partnership is strategic for Europe, which seeks to reduce its dependence on China, the largest producer of critical minerals in the world. The search for sustainable and safe alternatives for extracting and supplying these resources is essential to ensure the global energy transition.
The shortage of critical minerals can directly affect the energy transition, making it slower and more costly. In addition, it can generate even greater dependence on countries that have reserves of these minerals, such as China and Chile.
Given this scenario, it is necessary to invest in technologies that allow the recycling and reuse of these minerals, in addition to seeking alternatives less dependent on these resources. The energy transition is a global challenge that requires an integrated and sustainable approach to ensure a cleaner and safer future for generations to come.
