GSS EU Science Funding Gateway

This action will improve knowledge concerning the options, and challenges, in the short, medium, and long-term associated with the provision of raw materials required for the twin transition with a focus on interlinkages with climate change.

Sectors, technologies and material value chains to be analysed will be selected on a justified basis. The project will analyse changes to the carbon footprint associated with supply options for a justified selection of primary and secondary raw materials for short, medium and long-term time horizons. Options analysed will relate to raw materials likely to have large changes in supply due to the twin transition, where important geopolitical and technological changes are likely in relation to the twin transition and circularity.

The analyses should build on established life cycle assessment and product environmental footprint requirements, as relevant, and contribute to their further development. Modelling should be detailed to account for geo-political/site-specific changes in supply, technologies, and e.g. energy consumption. Scenarios will build on, as far as available, existing demand scenarios from European Commission modelling activities, and are expected to take into account the relevant EU policies (Fit-for-55 package, carbon neutrality by 2050).

The proposal will include the involvement of experts for the different technologies related to the primary and secondary raw material options selected as well as representatives of the integrated assessment modelling community.

This action will develop state-of-the-art knowledge (models and databases) in relation to climate change and the implications of different options associated with the twin transition and the related increases in supply of some raw materials. The action will build on existing modelling work for the supply and demand of primary and secondary raw materials and expand them to reflect typical transition pathways, to highlight the implications on climate change. The action will align to established requirements of existing methodological and data frameworks such as for life cycle assessment and product environmental footprint.

While focusing on selected technologies and site-dependent modelling, conclusions should provide insights related to opportunities and challenges for sectors associated with the twin transition.