Uncoordinated stockpiling of critical minerals risks raising clean energy transition costs
By
Chloé Farand
Crackles when you bite it. Shows the baker did the work.
Summary
Countries are increasingly stockpiling critical minerals (cobalt, lithium, graphite, rare earths) needed for clean energy technologies like batteries, EVs, and wind turbines, as well as for military hardware and AI chips. Researchers warn that uncoordinated stockpiling by major economies could drive up prices of these minerals, potentially delaying the rollout of clean energy technologies and increasing energy transition costs.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledThe world's biggest economies are racing to shore up reserves of cobalt, lithium, graphite and rare earths, which are needed to produce batteries, electric vehicles, wind turbines and electric systems to wean the global economy off fossil fuels.
The same minerals are also increasingly sought after to manufacture military hardware and chips for AI, adding further pressure on supplies.
Researchers warn that uncoordinated stockpiling could push up prices of minerals needed for clean energy technologies and delay their roll out
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