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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.

Rare Earths Elements

Critical components powering the global economy, from high-tech consumer electronics to essential renewable energy technologies.

Minor Metals and Minerals

Minor metals play a pivotal role in advancing the energy transition by enabling significant improvements in energy efficiency and the performance of clean energy technologies.

Low Carbon and Future Technology Applications

Leveraging critical minerals demand and the energy transition for a tomorrow redefined, SFA (Oxford) evaluates the potential of future markets.

LithoX | Critical Minerals and the Global Energy Transition

The global energy transition to net zero is underway. Who is leading? How are supply chains being secured? How do the geopolitics vary? SFA (Oxford) provides a global overview of critical minerals, policy and legislation.

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

How can we help you?

SFA (Oxford) provides bespoke, independent intelligence on the strategic metal markets, specifically tailored to your needs. To find out more about what we can offer you, please contact us.

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