Dear readers of the vgbe energy journal,

The discussion about the future design of our energy system has traditionally focused on issues such as generation structure, grid stability, the integration of renewable energies into the system, and technological advances in energy plants. In recent years, however, an issue that had long been on the periphery of the debate has emerged as a key consideration: the strategic procurement of critical raw materials. While the energy sector and industry have spent decades developing mechanisms to cushion fluctuations in gas, oil and coal supply, the increasing electrification of our economies is creating a newfound reliance on raw materials. Rare earths, lithium, nickel, platinum group metals, silicon, high-purity graphite and high-quality alloys are now the indispensable foundation of modern energy and storage technologies, including wind turbine gearboxes, photovoltaic cells and H2 turbines. This makes securing raw material supplies a fundamental part of the energy supply.

The growth of renewable energies, the expansion of the hydrogen economy, the electrification of industrial processes, and the increasing demand for large-scale battery storage systems are making us more dependent on global supply chains, which can be politically, climatically, and logistically fragile. Supply risks now manifest not only at the level of essential fossil fuels, but also within complex value chains in which processing capacities are often highly concentrated. This creates additional uncertainties for power plant operators, grid operators and technology providers, which must be considered in investment decisions. At the same time, technical requirements are changing; for example, alloys are needed for higher steam temperatures, materials that can withstand H2 operation are required, and catalysts are needed for electrolysers and components for CO2 capture systems. The market availability of these specific raw materials is anything but guaranteed.

Therefore, the energy industry must consider raw material supply an integral part of system planning. Technological innovation cycles are increasingly influenced by material issues. Recyclability, second-life concepts and the optimisation of material use are becoming increasingly important. Consequently, research and development are focusing more on substitution, efficiency improvements and low-loss production processes. At the same time, global strategic partnerships, transparent supply chains and new geopolitical assessments are becoming more important. This raises the question of how security of supply can be guaranteed in an age of fragmented global markets without impeding technological transformation processes.

For operators of conventional and renewable energy plants, this presents a dual challenge. Firstly, existing technologies must be further developed to withstand raw material shortages. Secondly, new construction and transformation projects must consider raw material risks from the design phase onwards. This applies not only to large components, but also to the entire operating infrastructure, including power electronics, measurement and control technology, and storage systems. The future energy supply will be defined not only by available generation capacities, but also by the ability to build, operate and maintain these capacities in the long term, regardless of volatile raw material markets.

It is clear that the energy industry has the technological expertise necessary to address this challenge. The integration of materials research, plant engineering and system operation is opening up new solutions. Modular designs, material-saving construction principles, improved recycling technologies and digital optimisation are creating prospects that combine security of supply with transformation. Consequently, the issue of raw materials is evolving from an external risk to a driver of innovation.

Finally, it can be said that the energy industry has recognised the challenge and is continuously working on solutions.