Global demand for critical minerals for renewables to triple by 2030: UN
Global demand for minerals crucial to renewable energy technologies is projected to nearly triple by 2030, according to a United Nations report. The UN Secretary-General’s expert panel on critical energy transition minerals has outlined recommendations for governments, industries, and stakeholders to ensure the energy transition is fair, sustainable, and equitable.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted the need for justice and equity in the renewables revolution, with the panel’s recommendations set to be shared ahead of COP29. The report, Resourcing the Energy Transition: Principles to Guide Critical Energy Transition Minerals Towards Equity and Justice, emphasizes fairness, transparency, sustainability, and human rights throughout the mineral value chain, from mining to recycling.
The report warns that the surge in demand for minerals like copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements—essential for technologies such as wind turbines, solar panels, electric vehicles, and batteries—must be managed to prevent geopolitical tensions and environmental issues.
Key proposals include creating a global framework for transparency, supporting artisanal miners, and establishing a fund to address legacy issues from abandoned mines. The panel also stresses the opportunity for developing countries with large mineral reserves to transform their economies through sustainable development.