record distribution new renewable triggered in recent years sue so called minerals ‘energy transition‘ aspect copper and materials from which batteries are made, e.g. nickel, lithium, cobalt and graphite. so this sunday copy until it reaches $320,000 million (about €291,000 million at the current exchange rate) between 2017 and 2022, according to a report by International Energy Agency (IEA).
Specifically, the development electric cars, storage, solar panels and wind turbines Demand for lithium tripled, demand for cobalt increased by 70% and nickel by 40%. OECD coordinating body energy policies All of its Member States multiply by two or three According to the current figures for 2030, according to different scenarios.
The question is whether there will be enough supply. And in its response, the European agency shows optimistic, after growth investment a 30% increase in critical materials last year and a 20% increase in 2021. lithium They supported this boom with their investments with 50% growth, followed by those specializing in this field. copper and nickel. Moreover exploration expenses increased 20% mainly due to lithium (90%), but uranium (60%) has also grown very recently due to global interest in nuclear energy and nickel (45%).
The supply may be “sufficient” if all projects currently planned continue. climate promises governments, says the IEA; Although he also warns that “delays” and other problems that may arise leave “little room for maneuver”.
The subject is not trivial. And its importance will lead you to be part of the discussion. first session The European Union Energy Ministers Meeting will be held this year. Wednesday inside Informal EU Energy Council held in Valladolid for the purpose Strengthening the European value chain.
low diversification
Thus, a large part of this investment chinese companiesdoubled the capital allocated to these mines. Most exploration spending australia and canada. progress in terms of diversification these resources in the last three years. scarce and concentration increased “in some cases,” according to the report. an analysis future projects It’s not too rosy to predict. tonic for years to come.
Thus, half of the planned lithium chemical plants are located in China, and approximately 90% of the nickel plants are located in Indonesia. China, Canada and Australia share 93% of cobalt projects. “Many nations who have resources seek a position top of the value chainwhile consumer countries request diversify your source of refined metals supply. World failed to connect the dots successfully To succeed diversified intermediate supply chains” warns the report.
venture capital
This funding decline general venture capital in tech startups contradicts the “record” amounts of capital that startups have collected. critical mineralsreaching $1,600 million, 160% more than the previous year. And if before 2017 the most popular areas in this segment were copper, silicon and rare earths, in 2022 the main buyer of venture capital funds battery recycling. For example, Green Li ionA Singaporean startup that received $35 million in funding from an oil, gas and electricity company between 2022 and 2023. they follow extraction and refining of lithium.