The role, supply and demand of critical minerals in the clean energy transition under carbon neutrality targets and their recommendations

Driven by the goal of "carbon neutrality", it is a general trend for the global energy system to develop towards cleaner, low-carbon or even carbon-free. In response to the demand for the transition to clean energy, the methods of statistical comparison, classified summary and comprehensive analysis are adopted to analyze and study the role and demand of critical minerals in department such as batteries, electricity networks, low-carbon power generation and hydrogen. Combined with the problems, such as high geographical concentration of current critical mineral output, long cycle of project development, and decline in resource quality, that cannot meet the needs of clean energy transition, it is proposed to ensure the diversified supply of key minerals, promote technological innovation in all links of the value chain, scale up recycling, enhance supply chain resilience and market transparency. It is suggested to mainstream higher environmental, social and governance standards into the main process, and strengthen international collaboration between producers and consumers.