Minerals and energy interface in energy transition pathways: A systematic and comprehensive review

• Published in: Journal of cleaner production Vol. 376; p. 134354
• Main Authors: Srivastava, Nidhi, Kumar, Atul
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 20.11.2022
• Subjects: carbon; carbon dioxide; circular economy; Critical minerals; energy; Energy governance; Energy transition; governance; greenhouses; issues and policy; Low carbon pathways; Minerals; Minerals-energy nexus; politics; raw materials; Renewable energy; renewable energy sources; trade; Renewable energy; Energy transition; Minerals-energy nexus; Energy governance; Critical minerals; Minerals; Low carbon pathways
• ISSN: 0959-6526; 1879-1786
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.134354

Since energy-related carbon dioxide emissions represent two-thirds of all greenhouse gases, a transition towards cleaner and renewable energy is imperative. Moreover, the carbon neutrality targets set by countries hinge upon increased uptake of renewable energy and storage. Some of these energy transition (ET) interventions are highly mineral intensive and depend upon critical minerals (CM), which are scarce and face supply challenges. However, what is meant by ‘critical’ is not uniform and static. The interface between ET and minerals is still an emerging area in policy studies literature. This paper presents a systematic and comprehensive review of 68 studies from a policy perspective studying the critical minerals – ET nexus. Most literature has approached the issue from the perspective of economics or geopolitics, followed by a broad governance approach. Very little attention has been given to legal and institutional aspects and justice in particular. The review suggests that the main challenges associated with the subject relate to the criticality of minerals, raw material security, trade and geopolitics, circular economy strategies, environmental and social impacts, and energy justice. •In-depth review on critical minerals-energy transition relationship from a policy perspective.•Discussion on key issues & challenges around minerals - energy transition interface.•Highlights the need for more research on legal & institutional issues on the subject.•Discussion on complexities in defining ‘criticality’.•A review of 68 policy studies on parameters such as geography, intervention, theme.