Transitioning towards a clean energy future is a core element of global efforts to achieve the climate goals of the Paris Agreement. The technologies underpinning that transition to low-carbon energy systems – such as wind, solar photovoltaic (PV), electric motors and batteries – are more minerals-intensive than fossil fuel-based technologies, however. As a result, the energy transition implies a shift from fuel-intensive to material-intensive energy systems, creating significant demand for CRMs.

This UN-Energy Policy Brief was prepared in support of the SDG7 review at the High-level Political Forum 2023 in line with the UN-Energy Plan of Action Towards 2025. The Plan outlines UN-Energy’s contributions towards the implementation of the Global Action Plan for Accelerated SDG 7 Action presented by the UN SecretaryGeneral as an outcome of the UN High-level Dialogue on Energy in 2021. The HLPF 2023 will inform the SDG Summit to be held during the UN General Assembly High-level Week in September 2023.