Reserves of Critical Mineral Materials and Additional Demand for Them in Era of Energy Transition

Based on a computer model, we have estimated the future additional demand for minerals for the production of wind turbines, solar panels, energy storage systems, and electric vehicles necessary to implement the IEA 2DS scenario for the transition to low-carbon energy. Demand for some critical metals and industrial minerals has been compared to their available economic reserves and resources. The supply of critical mineral materials for some energy transition technologies may pose a new challenge to the sustainable development of the mineral base of the world economy and become a deterrent to the use of renewable energy sources in the future.