Challenges and Bottlenecks for the Green Transition

A study was conducted to examine what is going to be required to fully phase out fossil fuels as an energy source and replace the entire existing system with renewable energy sources and transportation. Calculations reported here suggest that the total additional non-fossil fuel electrical power annual capacity to be added to the global grid will need to be around 37 289.7 TWh.

To phase out fossil fuel power generation, solar, wind, hydro, biomass, geothermal and nuclear were all examined. If the same non-fossil fuel energy mix as that reported in 2018 is assumed, then this translates into an extra 607 052 new power plants will be needed to be constructed and commissioned.

The quantity of metals to manufacture the first generation of renewable technology units (wind turbines, solar panels, EV’s etc.) to completely phase out fossil fuels was calculated. This metal quantities were compared to mining production and mineral reserves.

A study was conducted to examine what is going to be required to fully phase out fossil fuels as an energy source and replace the entire existing system with renewable energy sources and transportation. Calculations reported here suggest that the total additional non-fossil fuel electrical power annual capacity to be added to the global grid will need to be around 37 289.7 TWh.

To phase out fossil fuel power generation, solar, wind, hydro, biomass, geothermal and nuclear were all examined. If the same non-fossil fuel energy mix as that reported in 2018 is assumed, then this translates into an extra 607 052 new power plants will be needed to be constructed and commissioned.

The quantity of metals to manufacture the first generation of renewable technology units (wind turbines, solar panels, EV’s etc.) to completely phase out fossil fuels was calculated. This metal quantities were compared to mining production and mineral reserves.

Presenter

Simon Michaux
Associate Professor of Geometallurgy, Geological Survey of Finland

Associate Professor of geometallurgy at the Geological Survey of Finland (GTK) in KTR, the Circular Economy Solutions Unit. Basic degree Bach App. Sc in Physics and Geology, Phd in Mining Engineering from JKMRC University of Queensland. Work experience 18 years the JKMRC in mining industry research and development, 12 months at Ausenco in the private sector, 3 years in Belgium at the University of Liege researching Circular Economy and industrial recycling.

Work experience in Finland has been at GTK has been in the Minerals Intelligence in the MTR unit, before joining the KTR. Mineral processing and geometallurgy being developed.

Long term objectives include the development and transformation of the Circular Economy, into a more practical system for the industrial ecosystem to navigate the twin challenges of the scarcity of technology minerals and the transitioning away from fossil fuels.