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Resourcefullness: Mapping the changing global flows of material and finance for the energy transition

The energy transition is causing a steep increase in the mining of minerals and other materials such as lithium, copper, cobalt, and graphite that are needed for low-carbon technologies, while shifting away from fossil energy sources. This leads to changing patterns in resource extraction and usage of fossil fuels and renewable energy, as well as a restructuring of global capital markets. Resource extraction and their finance are often socially and environmentally unsustainable and potentially displaces negative effects of the energy transition to mineral and fossil fuel rich countries, often in Global South, while Global North countries profit from the benefits (emission reduction and financial gains). On top of that it is important that capital is allocated in an effective and equitable manner. An urgent question for a just and sustainable energy transition is: How are patterns and balances in mineral mining and fossil fuel extraction as well as renewable energy use changing due to the energy transition, and what kind of consequences does this have?

The first step of the project is to map and visualize the changing global flows of resources and finance that are generated by the energy transition. This includes extraction as well as flows of disposal and recycling. We will follow the materials as well as the money to map directions and quantities, as well as institutions, infrastructures, regulations, and actors involved. The aim of the project is to develop possibilities for (financial) regulation, certification, technology, and recycling of the material fundaments of the energy transition.

Team (in development): Ernst Worrell, Jesse Hoffman, Nikkie Wiegink, Carolina Sanchez, Friedemann Polzin, Allard Mosk, Ezekiel Stevens

For more information about this research project, please contact us at energy.transition@uu.nl.