Improving the resilience of the complete clean energy supply chains – from raw materials to advanced materials, manufacturing and end-of-life
Organizer
- International Energy Agency's Expert Group on Research and Development (IEA-EGRD)
- European Commission's Joint Research Centre (EC-JRC)
- hosted by the Directorate for Energy, Mobility and Climate of the JRC
Documentation
The workshop focused on the role of cutting-edge technologies and targeted policy initiatives in promoting resilient supply chains. It was evident from the discussions that policy initiatives need to address the entire supply chain - from mining, refining, and processing materials to manufacturing components, assembling final products, and managing their end-of-life and recycling processes.
While clear guidelines from policymakers were recognized as essential for guiding the work of scientific organizations in supporting these policies, participants also highlighted the importance of foresight initiatives. These initiatives are critical to ensure that no new issues arise while addressing existing ones and that the technologies we depend on are sustainable in the long term. Anticipating the implications of potential policy decisions, even when their impact is hard to gauge, was deemed crucial.
Additionally, there was a consensus on the need to foster and accelerate international cooperation at all levels. The importance of building strategic capacities through projects within the EU and beyond was emphasized. Addressing material challenges requires both national efforts and international collaboration, particularly in securing funding and advancing research. The workshop also underscored the significance of data handling and sharing as key drivers for enhancing the exchange of ideas and knowledge, especially regarding new approaches to advanced material characterization.