GTK´s Policy Briefs

The shift in energy production infrastructure towards clean energy requires action across multiple sectors. Geological research is playing a critical role in the transition by enabling the use of geothermal energy, identifying new sources of clean and sustainable fuel such as natural hydrogen, and ensuring required infrastructure such as new power plants, underground energy storage, and safe nuclear waste disposal sites are built on solid foundations.

Global environmental challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss require actions and new ways of thinking across multiple sectors. Geoscientific research on carbon storages and sinks, geo-biodiversity, and sustainable land, inland water and sea use provides solutions towards more sustainable land use practices, healthy ecosystems and a resilient living environment.

Achieving climate goals and developing technologies require large quantities of mineral resources and metals. Critical raw materials are needed in, for example, the realisation of renewable energy, digital industry, and space and health technology. Up-to-date geological research on mineral deposits and value chains is of critical importance, enabling clean transition and securing the responsible supply of materials.

The shift to sustainable energy technologies increases the demand for minerals and requires a more efficient and responsible use of mineral raw materials. Geosciences and minerals engineering are essential in solving these issues. Key areas to focus on include improving processing solutions, enhancing the traceability and recyclability of materials, and promoting design-driven circularity in mining projects. These innovations are essential for responsible stewardship of our finite mineral resources, reducing environmental impacts and securing the supply of critical materials.