In recent years, the demand for lithium has grown at a steady rate of approximately 20% per year. This trend looks set to continue in the future as electrical mobility becomes increasingly popular as part of the ecological transition. However, it is not so much the geological risk that is worrying for this metal as the high concentration of reserves, production and the market, as well as China's hold on the entire value chain.
If there are sufficient resources to cover future needs related to the development of low-carbon technologies, why is there so much talk about this group of metals?
Copper, cobalt, lithium... we are set to be increasingly reliant on metals due to the large-scale roll-out of renewable energies and new forms of mobility. According to economist Emmanuel Hache, who
New R&I themes, stimulated by the energy transition and circular economy markets, are beginning to emerge. The multidisciplinarity of IFPEN’s researchers is used in projects covering fields as diverse
Critical metals and rare earths Our strengths Expertise in the field of the synthesis, characterization and implementation of adsorbents The French Chemistry Society’s Industrial Chemistry Division
Critical metals and rare earths Our networks ANR GENERATE PROJECT While energy transition policies are theoretically and gradually reducing reliance on fossil energy production, they are creating new
Critical metals and rare earths Our solutions In 2025, the lithium-ion battery market will account for more than half of the global demand for lithium, compared to almost one third today; and the
Critical metals and rare earths OVERVIEW AND CHALLENGES Technological innovations developed to support the energy transition make use of critical or strategic metals: these refined minerals and metals