Europe faces supply constraints for a variety of metals, such as lithium, as demand increases for these raw materials which are key in the decarbonisation of energy systems and transportation increases. According to a study published in late April by the Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium, recycling is Europe’s best opportunity to become more self-sufficient in the long term and could supply roughly 45 to 65 per cent of demand for base metals in Europe by 2050.
“Electric vehicles, batteries, solar photovoltaic systems, wind turbines, and hydrogen technologies all require significantly more metals than their conventional alternatives to replace fossil fuel needs,” the researchers note in the report....
