The key conclusion from the study is that the scale of the raw materials impact of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies is small, relative to the scale of both current demand for critical raw materials and the outlook for projected demand in view of the energy transition imperative. This, however, does not mean the scale of critical raw materials use in the hydrogen value chain should be ignored. Adoption of frameworks such as the World Bank Group’s Climate-Smart Mining Framework can help manage the use of critical raw materials in hydrogen and fuel cells deployment, along with providing security of supply of the key critical raw materials needed for hydrogen deployment.
A further positive conclusion from the report is that the essential minerals and metals for clean hydrogen technologies will likely be in sufficient supply, have the potential to be sustainably sourced and can become part of a circular economy, with high percentage recycle recovery rates. These facts, when coupled with international cooperation on critical raw materials supply, are all good news for hydrogen.
The report also highlights that in some cases, such as platinum, the demand for minerals from hydrogen industry may actually relieve stress that could occur with the decline in demand from present uses, supporting the industry and the employment it currently offers, especially in southern Africa.