Switzerland should take an active approach to critical materials for the energy transition

The worldwide expansion of renewable energies is rapidly boosting demand for many raw materials and rare earths used to manufacture solar panels, batteries and other electronic components. Many of these raw materials originate from only a few countries, leading to one-sided dependence. Even though Switzerland mainly imports components and finished products, this country is indirectly impacted by any supply bottlenecks or geopolitical restrictions, according to a new report written by researchers from the Energy Commission of the Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences. The proposed options for action range from technical innovations and the expansion of recycling to international agreements.