Increase in extractive activity for climate neutrality
27.1.2022
Question for written answer E-000347/2022
to the Commission
Rule 138
Silvia Sardone (ID)
Zero-emission companies require huge amounts of metals and minerals. As a result, extractive activity, which consumes large amounts of energy and water, is set to become more and more important.
In future, electric cars are tipped to go mainstream, with between 10 and 20 million manufactured by 2025. Nickel, graphite, lithium, cobalt, manganese and copper are all needed to produce their batteries. According to some experts, we will extract more copper over the next 30 years than we have done over the past 2 000.
A single electric car battery can weigh up to 500 kilos, yet manufacturing it involves the excavation, displacement and processing of more than 225 tonnes of raw materials.
It is estimated that if, in 2050, almost 70% of global electricity is to be generated by wind and solar energy, we will need to extract at least 3.5 billion tonnes of metal.
Can the Commission say:
- 1.Has it ever assessed the energy cost that a significant increase in mineral extraction will entail, and does it believe this to be consistent with the EU’s environmental policies?
- 2.What are Europe’s forecast raw material needs as its goes climate neutral?