A greener world, a troubled transition: The rocky path to renewable energy
The transition to renewable energy is a global imperative, driven by the urgent need to mitigate climate change. However, this transition is fraught with challenges that often go unnoticed.
While the world is eager to embrace renewable energy, the reality is far more complex than it appears.
One of the most significant hurdles is the massive scale of mining required to build the necessary infrastructure.
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Renewable energy technologies, such as solar panels, wind turbines, and electric vehicles, rely heavily on a range of critical minerals. These include lithium, cobalt, nickel, copper, and rare earth elements.
The demand for these minerals is skyrocketing as the world strives to decarbonize its economy.
To meet the 2050 decarbonisation targets, the world would need hundreds of massive mines, each comparable to the Peñasquito mine in Mexico. This mine, one of the largest silver mines in the world, covers a massive 11 kilometers long and 15 kilometers wide and produces 100,000 tons of silver per year.
The scale of mining required to supply the materials for a full-scale renewable energy transition is staggering.
The environmental and social impacts of mining are well-documented. Mining operations can lead to deforestation, water pollution, soil erosion, and habitat destruction. They can also displace communities and contribute to social unrest.
As the demand for critical minerals increases, so too does the risk of environmental degradation and social conflict.
Another challenge is the geopolitical dimension of the transition to renewable energy. Many of the world's critical mineral resources are concentrated in a few countries. China, for example, dominates the global supply of rare earth elements, which are essential for the production of high-tech products, including wind turbines and electric vehicles.
This concentration of supply in a few countries raises concerns about supply chain security and geopolitical risks.
Moreover, the energy infrastructure itself is material-intensive. Replacing a single 50-megawatt gas turbine with renewable sources requires thousands of tons of iron, concrete, and non-recyclable plastics.
Scaling this up to replace existing fossil fuel power plants poses a significant challenge. The sheer volume of materials required for a full-scale renewable energy transition is immense.
The transition to renewable energy also raises concerns about the potential for the Global South to become dumping grounds for obsolete renewable energy technologies. As wealthier nations upgrade their infrastructure, there is a risk that outdated solar panels, wind turbines, and batteries will be exported to less developed countries.
This could lead to environmental and health problems, as well as economic burdens for these countries. It is crucial to establish responsible disposal and recycling practices for renewable energy technologies to prevent them from becoming a new form of environmental pollution
The world faces a delicate balance between environmental sustainability and economic growth. While most nations agree on the need for decarbonisation, the material requirements and geopolitical complexities of the transition are often overlooked.
It's clear that a comprehensive and well-planned strategy is needed to navigate this rocky path to a greener future.
One potential solution is to prioritise recycling and reuse of materials. By extending the lifespan of products and recycling materials at the end of their useful life, we can reduce the demand for new resources.
Additionally, investing in research and development to find more efficient and sustainable ways to extract and process minerals can help to minimize the environmental impact of mining.
Another important step is to diversify supply chains and reduce reliance on a few key suppliers. By sourcing materials from multiple countries, we can mitigate the risk of supply disruptions and geopolitical tensions.
Additionally, supporting domestic mining and processing industries can help to ensure a secure and sustainable supply of critical minerals.
Finally, it is essential to promote international cooperation and collaboration. By working together, countries can share best practices, coordinate policies, and invest in joint research and development projects. International cooperation is crucial for addressing the global challenges of climate change and resource scarcity.
The transition to renewable energy is a complex and multifaceted challenge. While the goal of a sustainable future is laudable, the path to achieving it is fraught with obstacles.
By addressing the challenges of mining, infrastructure, and supply chain security, we can accelerate the transition to a clean energy economy and build a more sustainable future for generations to come.
Izlal Moin Husain is a Program Manager at the Asia Foundation Bangladesh office.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Business Standard.
