Wind and solar energy help to reduce dependence on fossil fuel imports. However, wind turbines, solar panels – including power lines, storage facilities, etc. – also require critical raw materials . Examples: In 2025, China introduced export controls on seven rare earth elements as well as gallium and indium, and most recently on germanium too. And the Democratic Republic of the Congo has now set cobalt export quotas. The energy transition is therefore not a path towards self-sufficiency – but merely a shift in dependencies regarding raw materials, technology and supply chains. Policymakers should ensure this transformation is resilient and geopolitically robust. To this end, GES has developed guidelines and recommendations.
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