To keep the increase in global average temperature below 2 °C the use of renewable energy sources is essential. There are various scenarios for this energy transition depending on the amounts and types of renewable energies implemented. However, the material requirements to build new renewable power systems is rarely considered. It is key to understand the impact that the increasing demand of materials for renewable technologies could have on mining and mineral availability and so avoid potential disruptions. Thirteen strategic elements for the renewable energy sector have been analyzed which could generate supply shortages in the medium to long term. From the supply side, production, current resources and data related to future production have been compiled. From the demand side, element use in solar power (PV and CSP), wind energy (on and off-shore), and electric vehicles have been analyzed, as well as the demand of each element in other sectors from 2018 to 2050. Of the 13 elements included in this study, cobalt, lithium, tellurium, and nickel are the most critical of all. Technologies should be more effective in their use. Governments and companies should incorporate policies related to the conservation and extension of its life through recycling and servitisation to avoid resource depletion.

为了将全球平均温度的上升幅度控制在 2°C 以下，使用可再生能源至关重要。这种能源转型有多种情景，具体取决于实施的可再生能源的数量和类型。然而，很少考虑建造新的可再生能源系统的材料要求。了解对可再生技术材料的需求不断增加可能对采矿和矿产供应产生的影响，从而避免潜在的中断是关键。已经分析了可再生能源部门的 13 个战略要素，这些要素可能会在中长期造成供应短缺。从供应方面，已经汇编了生产、当前资源和与未来生产相关的数据。从需求方面来看，太阳能（PV 和 CSP）中的元素使用，分析了风能（陆上和海上）和电动汽车，以及 2018 年至 2050 年其他行业对每种元素的需求。在本研究中包含的 13 种元素中，钴、锂、碲和镍是最关键的。技术的使用应该更有效。政府和公司应通过回收和服务纳入与保护和延长其寿命相关的政策，以避免资源枯竭。