IRENA-地缘政治能源转型关键材料2023（英）-2023-150页_7mb

Geopolitics of the Energy Transition: Critical Materials

Key Findings

The energy transition requires significant critical materials (e.g., lithium, cobalt, nickel, rare earths) for renewable energy technologies. While demand is projected to grow rapidly, these materials are sourced from geographically concentrated regions (Australia, Chile, China, DRC). This creates vulnerabilities including supply chain risks, geopolitical competition, and environmental and social impacts.

Critical material supply chains are highly concentrated:

• Ausralia, Chile, China dominate lithium, copper, and rare earth production
• China controls over 50% of processing for graphite, rare earths, cobalt, lithium, and manganese

Export restrictions, cartels, and geopolitical tensions pose significant supply risks. Artisanal and small-scale mining creates additional challenges through hazardous labor conditions and environmental issues.

The energy transition offers an opportunity to reform extractive industries toward sustainable and responsible practices, while ensuring equitable development and benefit-sharing for producing countries.

Major policy considerations include:

• Diversifying critical material supply chains
• Strengthening international cooperation on resource governance
• Improving recycling and circular economy approaches
• Ensuring fair labor conditions and environmental protections

Policy Recommendations

Countries should:

• Develop comprehensive national critical mineral strategies
• Invest in domestic mining, processing and recycling capabilities
• Promote regional and international partnerships
• Implement transparent governance frameworks for resource extraction
• Support innovation in materials efficiency and substitution

The transition to clean energy requires co-producing benefits across energy systems and society, with inclusive approaches to resource governance and sustainable development.