Netherlands could slash demand for critical minerals by up to half

Research commissioned by Greenpeace Netherlands and carried out by Copper8, Quintel and Polaris Sustainability finds that strategic policy choices can reduce the Netherlands' demand for transition metals such as lithium, cobalt and nickel by 42‑49% by 2050. The reduction can be achieved through energy‑saving measures—including cutting energy‑intensive industry, expanding public transport and improving building insulation—plus targeted investments in battery and wind‑turbine technology.

The study also projects that recycling of first‑generation solar panels, batteries and turbines from around 2040 will further lower the need for new raw materials. As a result, deep‑sea mining of cobalt and nickel would become unnecessary, with cobalt demand potentially disappearing and nickel demand dropping by up to 84%. The authors argue that the current geopolitical tensions, exemplified by the wars in Ukraine and Iran, underscore the urgency of moving to a cleaner, less fossil‑dependent energy system while protecting vulnerable ecosystems.

The report calls for a shift in thinking toward limited mineral resources and careful, efficient use to meet climate goals without harming fragile environments such as the deep sea.