The energy transition and the transformation of global industry are posing major challenges for the raw materials sector and raw materials policy in many countries. In this context, e-mobility and the energy transition (wind power, solar energy and energy storage), for example, represent the largest growth areas for lithium-ion batteries. By 2030, more than 90 per cent of the demand for lithium will come from this sector. This industry also plays a very significant role for other raw materials such as cobalt, nickel and graphite. Many of these raw materials markets are highly concentrated and dominated by a small number of countries and a few large companies. Added to this are geopolitical and regulatory factors that complicate the secure supply of raw materials.
At present, the EU is heavily dependent on imports of both batteries and raw materials (i.e. precursor materials) for this sector, with China holding a very strong position in all these materials. To reduce these dependencies, the EU has adopted the EU Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) with very ambitious targets and requirements for mining, processing, recycling and the diversification of imports.
This presentation will discuss the current global and European market situation (supply chains) for raw materials required for the energy transition, as well as their local production potential. Furthermore, the CRMA, German raw materials funds, the EU’s Industrial Accelerator Act, the Battery Regulation, and ESG aspects and their implications will be discussed.
