Circular Economy Solutions for Critical Raw Materials for the Energy Transition

Circular economy approaches offer significant opportunities for the sustainable and resource-efficient implementation of energy and climate policy goals. These approaches help secure access to critical raw materials for the energy transition while simultaneously reducing the carbon footprint in the production of essential technologies. The governments of Germany and Japan have recognised this potential and are striving to enhance the circularity of relevant raw materials. As like-minded and long-standing partners, both countries can learn from each other's approaches and strategies. Together, they can shape and strengthen the transition to a cleaner energy supply, supported by a broader application of circular economy approaches in the context of critical raw materials for key energy transition technologies.

The study published here provides an overview of the current status regarding access to selected critical raw materials, the expansion targets of Germany and Japan for key energy transition technologies, the existing political approaches, as well as the needs and challenges for strengthening circular economy approaches in this context. It highlights similarities and differences in the countries' approaches and identifies opportunities for mutual learning and cooperation within and beyond the German-Japanese Energy Partnership.