More than enough materials for green power

Clean and green energy technologies have momentum. They contribute significantly to the world’s GDP,¹ employ millions of people,² and attract more investment than fossil-fuel energy projects.³

The study examines the needs of a wide range of climate and energy scenarios over three decades. In all cases, we'll have enough reserves to make the transition.

The Joule study isn't alone in these conclusions. The International Energy Agency (IRENA),⁶ The Energy Transitions Commission (ETC),⁷ and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNP)⁸ all have studies that more or less agree, variously pointing out:

• We have enough resources
• Supply lines for certain rare earth minerals and metals will need to increase production fairly significantly
• Energy security will depend on materials supply lines, so geopolitical variables will obviously be important
• Mining the materials must be done carefully, following best ecological practices and with care for the rights and needs of the people who may be impacted
• Alternative energy costs will continue to fall rapidly, making the transition cheaper as it progresses

The studies all take a slightly different approach, but together form a comprehensive examination of the challenges and issues of a fossil-to-green transition.

If we can find the will to make the transition, we'll be able to find the materials.

If we're smart and careful, this transition will not only be good for the planet: it will be good for humans and good for business.

Reading

1. IEA. “Clean Energy Is Boosting Economic Growth – Analysis,” April 18, 2024. https://www.iea.org/commentaries/clean-energy-is-boosting-economic-growth. 
   (This is quite aside from the question of whether or not GDP is even a useful thing any more. Another article, some day.)
2. “Renewable Energy and Jobs - Annual Review 2024 | International Labour Organization,” October 1, 2024. https://www.ilo.org/publications/renewable-energy-and-jobs-annual-review-2024.
3. “Clean Energy Soars but IEA Warns of ‘fault Line’ in World Energy Investment 2024.” Accessed March 16, 2025. https://www.iigcc.org/insights/clean-energy-iea-warns-of-faultline-world-energy-investment-2024.
4. Wang, Seaver, Zeke Hausfather, Steven Davis, Juzel Lloyd, Erik B. Olson, Lauren Liebermann, Guido D. Núñez-Mujica, and Jameson McBride. “Future Demand for Electricity Generation Materials under Different Climate Mitigation Scenarios.” Joule 7, no. 2 (February 15, 2023): 309–32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joule.2023.01.001.
5. MIT Technology Review. “Yes, We Have Enough Materials to Power the World with Renewable Energy.” Accessed March 16, 2025. https://www.technologyreview.com/2023/01/31/1067444/we-have-enough-materials-to-power-world-with-renewables/.
6. IEA. “Executive Summary – The Role of Critical Minerals in Clean Energy Transitions – Analysis.” Accessed March 17, 2025. https://www.iea.org/reports/the-role-of-critical-minerals-in-clean-energy-transitions/executive-summary.
7. Energy Transitions Commission. “Material and Resource Requirements for the Energy Transition.” Accessed March 17, 2025. https://www.energy-transitions.org/publications/material-and-resource-energy-transition/.
8. Energy Transitions Commission. “Material and Resource Requirements for the Energy Transition.” Accessed March 17, 2025. https://www.energy-transitions.org/publications/material-and-resource-energy-transition/.