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Reviewing the material and metal security of low-carbon energy transitions

Author

Listed:
  • Lee, J.
  • Bazilian, M.
  • Sovacool, B.
  • Hund, K.
  • Jowitt, S.M.
  • Nguyen, T.P.
  • Månberger, A.
  • Kah, M.
  • Greene, S.
  • Galeazzi, C.
  • Awuah-Offei, K.
  • Moats, M.
  • Tilton, J.
  • Kukoda, S.

Abstract

The global transition to a low-carbon economy will involve changes in material markets and supply chains on a hitherto unknown scale and scope. With these changes come numerous challenges and opportunities related to supply chain security and sustainability. To help support decision-making as well as future research, this study employs a problem-oriented perspective while reviewing academic publications, technical reports, legal documents, and published industry data to highlight the increasingly interconnected nature of material needs and geopolitical change. The paper considers a broad set of issues including technologies, material supplies, investment strategies, communal concerns, innovations, modeling considerations, and policy trends to help contextualize policy decisions and regulatory responses. Policy options are outlined for each topical section, as well as areas for further research. Together, these recommendations serve to help guide the complex, interdisciplinary approach to materials required for a low-carbon transition.

Suggested Citation

  • Lee, J. & Bazilian, M. & Sovacool, B. & Hund, K. & Jowitt, S.M. & Nguyen, T.P. & Månberger, A. & Kah, M. & Greene, S. & Galeazzi, C. & Awuah-Offei, K. & Moats, M. & Tilton, J. & Kukoda, S., 2020. "Reviewing the material and metal security of low-carbon energy transitions," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 124(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:rensus:v:124:y:2020:i:c:s136403212030085x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2020.109789
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    7. Kevin Pahud & Greg de Temmerman, 2022. "Overview of the EROI, a tool to measure energy availability through the energy transition," Post-Print hal-03780085, HAL.
    8. Sarolta Somosi & Eszter Megyeri, 2022. "A Moving Target: Changing Priorities in the Energy Policy of the European Union," International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy, Econjournals, vol. 12(4), pages 542-552, July.
    9. Beibei Che & Chaofeng Shao & Zhirui Lu & Binghong Qian & Sihan Chen, 2022. "Mineral Requirements for China’s Energy Transition to 2060—Focus on Electricity and Transportation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(1), pages 1-23, December.
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    16. Alexey Cherepovitsyn & Victoria Solovyova, 2022. "Prospects for the Development of the Russian Rare-Earth Metal Industry in View of the Global Energy Transition—A Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(1), pages 1-24, January.
    17. Chen, Ying & Zhu, Xuehong & Chen, Jinyu, 2022. "Spillovers and hedging effectiveness of non-ferrous metals and sub-sectoral clean energy stocks in time and frequency domain," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 111(C).
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    19. Govindan, Kannan, 2023. "Pathways to low carbon energy transition through multi criteria assessment of offshore wind energy barriers," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 187(C).

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