Europe: Venturing into the Green Frontier
Critical minerals, policy, and the energy transition
The Energy Transition in Europe
As Europe advances towards a sustainable energy future, it faces a myriad of risks and challenges that could impede progress. The continent's ambitious shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, while pioneering, confronts obstacles such as critical mineral scarcity, technological dependencies, and the complexities of upgrading existing infrastructure to support a greener grid. Europe's reliance on imports for essential minerals like lithium and cobalt highlights vulnerabilities in supply chain security, potentially subjecting energy transitions to geopolitical tensions and market fluctuations. Moreover, integrating renewable technologies across diverse national grids presents technical and regulatory challenges, requiring substantial investment and coordination. The transition also necessitates addressing the social and economic impacts on communities dependent on traditional energy sectors, ensuring a just and equitable shift for all. Balancing these dynamics—while striving for energy independence, environmental sustainability, and economic resilience—underscores the nuanced pathway Europe must navigate as it leads the charge towards a renewable energy paradigm.
Latest news and insights
Stay ahead in the energy transition with SFA (Oxford)’s cutting-edge insights into how critical minerals, circular economy strategies, ESG leadership, and geopolitical realignments are reshaping Europe’s industrial resilience and clean energy future.

U.S. and Ukraine Finalise Critical Minerals Deal
1 May 2025 | Jamie Underwood
On April 30, 2025, the United States and Ukraine signed a landmark agreement establishing a joint Reconstruction Investment Fund to support Ukraine's post-war recovery.

ESG Funds and Critical Minerals
1 May 2025 | Ismet Soyocak
Despite political and regulatory setbacks, ESG funds—the key investment mechanism for critical minerals—held their ground, with only a marginal dip in AUM in Q1 2025.
Annex-I: Adjusted US Reciprocal Tariffs Country List
2 April 2025 | White House
Critical minerals, policy, and the energy transition
Outside the European Union
United Kingdom




Meet the Critical Minerals team
Trusted advice from a dedicated team of experts.

Henk de Hoop
Chief Executive Officer

Beresford Clarke
Managing Director: Technical & Research

Jamie Underwood
Principal Consultant

Ismet Soyocak
ESG & Critical Minerals Lead

Rj Coetzee
Senior Market Analyst: Battery Materials and Technologies

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