Critical Minerals Could Shift to Renewables Before COP31
Researchers urge prioritizing lithium, cobalt, nickel and rare earths for clean energy rather than defence ahead of the November summit in Türkiye.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Energy
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Institute of Development Studies researchers are calling for critical minerals to be prioritized for renewable energy over defence systems ahead of COP31, which runs from 9 to 20 November in Türkiye. Their Transition Security Project found that only 29% of copper, 17% of nickel and 20% of rare earths went into energy technologies in 2024.
Why it matters
Solar panels, wind turbines and electric vehicles depend on these minerals, and demand from defence and other sectors such as AI is rising amid geopolitical rivalry and rearmament. The researchers argue that securing supply for renewables is necessary to meet climate goals.
Analysis of International Energy Agency data shows 29% of copper, 17% of nickel and 20% of rare earths were used in energy technologies in 2024. Defence and aerospace take 33% of chromium and 17% of beryllium, and it remains unclear how these shares will shift before the summit.
The players
Institute of Development Studies
A research institute based in the United Kingdom that studies international development and the policy issues linked to it.
Anabel Marin
A researcher at the Institute of Development Studies who co-leads the Transition Security Project on critical minerals.
Phil Johnstone
A researcher at the Institute of Development Studies who co-leads the Transition Security Project on critical minerals.
The details
Researchers Anabel Marin and Phil Johnstone of the Institute of Development Studies estimated mineral use by sector from International Energy Agency figures. Drones require all 36 rare minerals used in strategic technologies, while solar panels and wind turbines each require around a dozen of them.
Timeline
2024: Energy-technology share of copper, nickel and rare earths measured.
9 to 20 November 2026: COP31 held in Türkiye.
2035: Target for a 35% global electrification rate.
2050: Net Zero Emissions target deadline.
The Big Picture
The Transition Security Project's analysis of 2024 mineral allocation frames the debate over whether energy demand can compete with defence for copper, nickel and rare earths. Its findings suggest that the balance between clean-energy and military supply chains will shape how governments approach the climate agenda at COP31.
Prioritizing critical minerals for renewables could affect the cost and availability of solar panels, wind turbines and electric vehicles. The outcome would influence how quickly clean-energy technologies can scale toward 2050 Net Zero targets.
The takeaway
Securing critical minerals for energy is central to meeting climate targets, and the allocation choices made now will shape renewable deployment for decades. Readers following energy policy should watch how COP31 addresses mineral supply.
What happens next
COP31 will be held in Türkiye from 9 to 20 November, where renewable-energy mineral priorities are expected to be discussed.
Further reading
For broader context on how clean-energy supply chains are evolving, explore the Energy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Institute of Development Studies.
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Should the U.S. spend less on the military to free up minerals for clean energy?
