The Circular Economy Show Podcast The critical minerals crunch: How do we secure the future of clean energy?
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Jan 20, 2026 Wen-Yu Weng, Critical Minerals Lead at the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, dives into the urgent world of critical minerals and their vital role in the clean energy transition. She discusses the shift from fossil fuels to materials-heavy energy solutions, spotlighting the need for resilient supply chains. Wen-Yu highlights innovative circular strategies, like recycling and second-life uses, while stressing the importance of collaboration across sectors. With a focus on upcoming reports, she urges immediate action to tackle EV battery waste before it escalates.
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Material-Heavy Energy Transition
- The energy transition shifts us from fossil-fuel intensity to material intensity, increasing demand for critical minerals.
- Critical minerals are essential across EVs, solar and wind, creating a material-heavy future for clean energy.
Geography Shapes Supply Risk
- Critical minerals and their processing are geographically concentrated, creating sourcing and geopolitical risks.
- Supply chain concerns compound the urgency beyond mere demand growth.
Build Resilience Across The Whole Chain
- Strengthen resilience by acting across upstream, midstream and downstream, not only by reshoring extraction.
- Use circular strategies like design for second life and end-of-life management to reduce supply risk.