Workshop: Securing Raw Materials for the Energy Transition - Challenges and Prospects
On 23–24 June 2025, Forschungszentrum Jülich hosted a two-day academic workshop on “Challenges for the Direct and Indirect Supply of Raw Materials for the Energy Transition”. The event brought together researchers from various institutions to explore the pressing issues around critical raw material supply and its role in shaping a sustainable energy future.
Funded by the Fritz Thyssen Foundation, the workshop was jointly organised by Prof. Dr Matthias Grajewski (FH Aachen University of Applied Sciences), Dr Stefan Vögele (Forschungszentrum Jülich), and Prof. Dr Dirk Rübbelke (TU Bergakademie Freiberg).
Key topics included geopolitical risks, supply chain disruptions, and raw material dependencies in key technologies. Discussions highlighted the urgent need to strengthen and secure raw material supply chains in the face of growing global demand and political uncertainty.
One particularly encouraging outcome: initial ideas for new research collaborations emerged directly on site, underlining the lasting impact of in-person exchange and laying the groundwork for future cooperation beyond the workshop itself.
We thank all speakers for their insightful and thought-provoking contributions:
- Prof. Dr Alexander Golub (American University Washington)
- Dr Anja Brumme (TU Bergakademie Freiberg)
- Prof. Dr Heidi U. Heinrichs (Forschungszentrum Jülich / University of Siegen)
- Prof. Dr Matthias Grajewski (FH Aachen)
- Dr Stefan Vögele (Forschungszentrum Jülich)
- Prof. Dr Frank Pothen (Ernst Abbe University of Applied Sciences Jena)
- Prof. Dr Britta Kuhn (RheinMain University of Applied Sciences)
- Prof. Anil Markandya (BC3 / University of Bath)
- Prof. Per G. Fredriksson (University of Louisville)
- Prof. Dr Dirk Rübbelke (TU Bergakademie Freiberg)
The themes of critical raw materials, geostrategic uncertainty, and resilient supply chains remain central to the energy transition. We look forward to continuing the dialogue academically and in joint projects.