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Exploring the effects of mineral depletion on renewable energy technologies net energy returns

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  • Aramendia, Emmanuel
  • Brockway, Paul E.
  • Taylor, Peter G.
  • Norman, Jonathan B.

Abstract

The energy transition poses a set of new challenges related to mineral scarcity and depletion. The process of mineral depletion is characterised by increasing energy consumption per tonne of valuable minerals mined (i.e. energy intensity of mining), due to the decline in the quality of mined deposits. As renewable energy technologies are heavily reliant on a range of minerals, some of them scarce, the net energy returns (i.e., the share of energy available to provide energy services) of renewable energy technologies may be significantly affected by this decline. This may in turn jeopardise the ability of renewable energy technologies to provide sufficient net energy, and hence, support decent living standards. The aim of this article is therefore to explore, using net energy analysis techniques combined with Life Cycle Analysis data, the effects of mineral depletion on the net energy returns of four renewable energy technologies: solar photovoltaic, concentrated solar power, onshore wind, and offshore wind.

Suggested Citation

  • Aramendia, Emmanuel & Brockway, Paul E. & Taylor, Peter G. & Norman, Jonathan B., 2024. "Exploring the effects of mineral depletion on renewable energy technologies net energy returns," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 290(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:290:y:2024:i:c:s0360544223035065
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2023.130112
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