The war in Ukraine and covid pandemic have made the European dependence on materials and energy import more clear and the search for alternatives more urgent. The energy transition proposes an attractive alternative to the current energy system. But what is required for the energy transition and can Europe be self sufficient in the supply of the necessary resources? In this article we highlight the contributions on this topic from René Kleijn (Associate Professor Industrial Ecology and Scientific Chair of the Circular Industries Hub). Kleijn recently commented on the topic of resource dependence in the NRC and NPO Radio 1. Here, we share some insights in the press article and radio interview.
NRC: Europe's hunt for metals in the energy transition
In the NRC Handelsbad, a Dutch daily newspaper, Kleijn comments on the current and future material basis for our society. For him, the energy transition is essentially a switch from fossil fuels to metals, i.e. the metals needed for the generation and storage of renewable energy. Kleijn discusses the ways that Europe could be more self sufficient and less depending on imports of these metals. For example, by creating its own metal industry, discussed in the report (co-authored by Kleijn) about policy options for securing resources in the Netherlands. This report was also discussed during one of our Circular Industries talks with Irina Patrahau (for more information see the recap of her talk).
Curious about the NRC article about Europe's hunt for metals in the energy transition? Read it here (Dutch only)
NPO Radio 1: Open call for attention for European resource dependencies
During his interview at NPO Radio 1, a Dutch national radio channel, Kleijn also comments on the expected European dependence on imports of metals required for the energy transition. He points out that there are very few metal mining, refining, and production industries in Europe and discusses the open call that Kleijn published during the pandemic regarding the overarching European dependence on import of goods magnified during the covid pandemic. During the pandemic, it became clear that Europe was completely dependent on the import of masks and medical equipment. Furthermore, Kleijn discusses current industry politics with VVD Member of the European Parliament Jan Huitema. Drastic and quick political changes are needed to free The Netherlands and the European dependency on resources, but it should also be done wisely.
Curious about the NPO Radio 1 item on the resource dependence created by the energy transition? Listen to it here (Dutch only)
Kleijn at NPO Radio 1