TU/e EIRES Energy Forum: Critical raw materials for the energy transition.
On Friday 8 October 2026, the Energy Forum, entitled âCritical raw materials for the energy transitionâ, will take place. We look forward to meeting you in person!
Reality Check: Critical Raw Materials for the Energy Transition
The global energy transition is reshaping patterns of resource demand, placing critical raw materials (CRMs) at the heart of climate, industrial and geopolitical strategies. Technologies essential to decarbonisation, such as batteries, wind turbines, solar panels and hydrogen systems, rely on materials including lithium, cobalt, nickel and rare-earth elements. The Netherlands and the EU face mounting challenges in securing reliable, affordable and sustainable access to these resources. Despite the strategic direction set by the Critical Raw Materials Act, concerns remain regarding supply diversification, domestic production capacity, recycling bottlenecks, financing constraints and long-term environmental impacts.
This EnergyDays brings together leading academics, policymakers, industry representatives and civil society experts to critically examine the environmental criticality and geopolitical dimensions of critical raw materials (CRMs). Discussions will explore the tensions between accelerating the deployment of renewables and minimising ecological degradation, the risks associated with concentrated global supply chains, and the opportunities for circular economy strategies and responsible sourcing. By fostering interdisciplinary dialogue, the event aims to assess Europeâs preparedness, identify policy gaps, and debate pathways towards a more resilient, just and sustainable raw materials governance framework that can underpin a successful energy transition
About the Energy Forum
Energy Forum is organised every six months and is open to anyone interested in the latest developments in energy-related societal issues. Energy Forum focuses on a specific aspect of the current energy and climate debate. Various keynote speakers from academia and industry will present their views, solutions and outlooks on the topic. The aim of the Energy Forum is to encourage the audience to broaden their perspective on energy and climate.
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