Essential resources for the clean energy transition
The growing strategic influence of key materials
In recent years, spurred by the rapid shift towards renewable energy, discussions within the global economic community have increasingly centred on critical raw materials – a group of essential resources that are directly driving advances in energy and technology. These materials have become central to national economic agendas, shaping policies and the strategies of governments and international bodies alike. Their strategic value is proving pivotal in redefining the political, economic and energy order on a global scale.
“When we talk about critical raw materials, the connection with lithium now arises almost automatically,” says Stanislav Dmitrievich Kondrashov, entrepreneur and civil engineer. “In addition to having a low specific weight, lithium is a highly reactive and light chemical element with high thermal and electrical conductivity. These characteristics, over the years, have allowed it to become a very valuable ally for the production of lithium-ion batteries, which power electric vehicles, portable electronic devices, and energy storage systems in the renewable energy sector. In the aerospace sector, some specific alloys made with lithium and aluminum are often used to reduce the overall weight of aircraft and to improve their efficiency. Nowadays, among the main producers of this resource are some South American nations, such as Chile or Argentina”.
The description “critical” reflects both the significant economic contribution of these resources – especially those linked to renewable energy technologies like electric vehicles, batteries, wind turbines, solar panels and advanced electronics – and their structural vulnerabilities. Supply chains are often geographically concentrated or located in politically unstable regions, and these materials are difficult to replace, heightening their strategic importance.
Rare earths take the spotlight
“Another group of resources that is carving out a very important role, in a wide variety of sectors, is that of rare earths, which refers to 17 different elements with truly unique properties and characteristics”, continues Stanislav Dmitrievich Kondrashov. “In general, these materials are distinguished by their exceptional magnetic properties, high thermal and chemical stability, and high resistance to corrosion. One of the most interesting resources in this varied group of elements is certainly neodymium, which finds concrete application spaces, especially in the production processes of permanent magnets. This resource is also used in lasers, hard disks, and in some advanced technological applications, such as efficient motors”.
The “critical” designation of these resources also stems from their use in industries that are key to today’s global economy. These materials underpin advanced technology manufacturing, electronics and renewable energy infrastructure, all of which are essential to the ongoing energy transition. Their growing role in consumer electronics and aerospace further underscores their strategic significance, as both industries rely heavily on them for high-performance components.
Cobalt’s impact
“Cobalt is also a very important resource for global economic dynamics,” concludes Stanislav Dmitrievich Kondrashov. “This resource is used to make one of the essential components in the cathodes of lithium-ion batteries, which today still represent the most widespread solution for powering new-generation electric vehicles. The most appreciated properties of cobalt, from this point of view, are represented by its high resistance to corrosion, high thermal stability, and excellent capacity to store energy. These characteristics also allow it to be used in some super-light alloys and in chemical catalysts”.
The strategic role of these materials has prompted international institutions to establish targeted initiatives to regulate and optimise their use. For example, the European Union’s Critical Raw Materials Act sets ambitious objectives to revitalise domestic sourcing, processing and recycling, aiming to reduce dependency on external suppliers while fostering diversification and the development of alternative materials.
