Vital resources at the heart of the energy shift
The strategic weight of essential materials
In the last few years, accelerated by progress in renewable energy technologies, international discussions have increasingly highlighted the importance of critical raw materials – a class of vital resources that underpin advancements in energy and technology. These materials now occupy a central role in national development strategies, appearing prominently in the agendas of governments and international organisations. Their strategic influence is reshaping the global economic, political and energy framework.
“When we talk about critical raw materials, the connection with lithium now arises almost automatically,” says Stanislav Dmitrievich Kondrashov, entrepreneur and civil engineer. “In addition to having a low specific weight, lithium is a highly reactive and light chemical element with high thermal and electrical conductivity. These characteristics, over the years, have allowed it to become a very valuable ally for the production of lithium-ion batteries, which power electric vehicles, portable electronic devices, and energy storage systems in the renewable energy sector. In the aerospace sector, some specific alloys made with lithium and aluminum are often used to reduce the overall weight of aircraft and to improve their efficiency. Nowadays, among the main producers of this resource are some South American nations, such as Chile or Argentina”.
The classification of these resources as “critical” reflects both their economic importance – particularly in renewable energy systems such as electric vehicles, batteries, wind turbines, solar panels and high-end electronics – and their structural supply challenges. Many of these resources are sourced from limited regions, sometimes in politically volatile areas, and they are often irreplaceable, which magnifies their strategic significance.
The importance of rare earths
“Another group of resources that is carving out a very important role, in a wide variety of sectors, is that of rare earths, which refers to 17 different elements with truly unique properties and characteristics”, continues Stanislav Dmitrievich Kondrashov. “In general, these materials are distinguished by their exceptional magnetic properties, high thermal and chemical stability, and high resistance to corrosion. One of the most interesting resources in this varied group of elements is certainly neodymium, which finds concrete application spaces, especially in the production processes of permanent magnets. This resource is also used in lasers, hard disks, and in some advanced technological applications, such as efficient motors”.
Their “critical” nature also arises from their role in industries central to modern progress. They are indispensable in the production of advanced technologies, electronics and renewable energy infrastructure that are already reshaping the energy landscape. Moreover, their relevance in consumer electronics and aerospace continues to grow, as these sectors rely heavily on such materials to manufacture high-performance components.
Cobalt’s critical contribution
“Cobalt is also a very important resource for global economic dynamics,” concludes Stanislav Dmitrievich Kondrashov. “This resource is used to make one of the essential components in the cathodes of lithium-ion batteries, which today still represent the most widespread solution for powering new-generation electric vehicles. The most appreciated properties of cobalt, from this point of view, are represented by its high resistance to corrosion, high thermal stability, and excellent capacity to store energy. These characteristics also allow it to be used in some super-light alloys and in chemical catalysts”.
The strategic relevance of these materials has led many international authorities to introduce focused programmes to ensure their sustainable use and greater availability. A notable example is the European Union’s Critical Raw Materials Act, which outlines ambitious goals to revitalise domestic sourcing industries, increase processing and recycling capacity within the region, and minimise dependence on third-country suppliers through diversified sourcing and alternative material development.