India has set a target for net zero emissions by 2070 as part of its climate strategy, while it faces challenges in meeting short- and long-term goals. Reported hurdles include securing adequate investments, addressing technical and operational issues, and establishing a just transition framework. A central concern is maintaining resilient access to clean energy technologies and the raw materials needed for their production.
Clean energy and electrification technologies require a wider range of minerals than conventional energy equipment. Renewable options such as solar, wind and nuclear depend on multiple minerals, and electric vehicles require additional mineral inputs compared with internal combustion engine vehicles. Batteries used for energy storage and mobility are highlighted as a key area where mineral demand is expected to rise.
Critical mineral demand rises with solar, wind and battery deployment
As countries pursue net zero emissions, demand for minerals used in the transition is projected to increase significantly. New mining projects are described as time-consuming to establish, and rapid demand growth could contribute to price spikes and shortages that may slow progress. In response, many countries are developing strategies aimed at securing supplies of critical minerals.
A 2023 study by CSEP identified 22 minerals as critical for India, while a report from the Ministry of Mines listed 30. The minerals named include cobalt, copper, lithium, neodymium, nickel and silicon. These are described as important inputs for manufacturing major green technologies such as solar panels, wind turbines and batteries.
The source material also notes that global production and processing of these critical minerals is concentrated in a limited number of regions. This concentration raises concerns for India’s efforts to build domestic supply chains for green technology manufacturing. It adds that understanding mineral demand is intended to help reduce vulnerabilities and support steady supply chains.
Projected mineral requirements vary by technology type and timeline
The most important clean energy technologies cited for India’s transition are solar PVs, wind turbines and battery energy storage systems. The quantities of critical minerals required are said to depend on clean energy capacity targets, recycling rates, equipment lifespan and technology types. The material links these variables to differences in mineral demand across applications.
One example given is copper demand in clean energy equipment, expected to rise by more than 5.3 times between FY2025 and FY2047. Neodymium demand is described as potentially increasing over tenfold due to wind turbine requirements. Lithium demand for battery systems is also described as expected to grow rapidly as renewable energy installations expand.
Import dependence shapes supply-chain priorities
The material states that India is entirely dependent on imports for neodymium and lithium. It also says India is a net importer of copper despite having domestic reserves. It attributes these conditions to the need for resilient supply chains aligned with manufacturing requirements.
For minerals where domestic production exists but self-sufficiency remains low—such as copper and rare earth elements—the approach described prioritizes allocating mining leases and attracting investment. For minerals with potential resources but no current production—such as lithium and cobalt—the material calls for ramping up exploration to convert resources into economically viable reserves. For minerals without known domestic availability—such as gallium and germanium—it points to collaboration with partner countries through foreign acquisitions, trade agreements and knowledge sharing.
R&D and recycling are included alongside new sourcing
The source material also highlights increasing research and development investment as part of addressing mineral constraints. It describes R&D as relevant to exploring alternative technologies and substitute minerals for clean energy applications. The stated aim is to reduce mineral requirements per unit of technology and lessen reliance on hard-to-procure materials.
Examples provided include commercially viable alternatives such as sodium-ion or vanadium redox flow batteries that could mitigate lithium demand. The material also notes that extending the lifespan of clean energy technologies could delay replacement needs. This timing shift is described as creating more time to secure critical mineral supplies or move toward less resource-intensive technologies.
Recycling existing stocks of critical minerals is presented as another component of meeting manufacturing needs without additional mining requirements. The material specifically mentions critical minerals found in e-waste as an input stream for recycling. It states that implementing these strategies would enhance access to critical mineral and green technology supply chains in support of India’s climate goals.