The Global Crux of the Energy Transition: Making Sure Everyone Benefits From the Coming Mining Boom

Payne Institute Global Energy Future Initiative Director John Bradford and Payne Institute Faculty Fellow Jessica Smith write about how calls to quickly transition from oil and gas to renewable energy sources grow more urgent, a harsh reality is setting in.  The amount of raw materials needed to build out solar panels, wind farms, charging stations, batteries and the like is enormous.  The other, often overlooked requirement of the energy transition is the infrastructure needed to manage carbon capture, utilization, and storage.  Many of the materials needed for these two infrastructure builds are the same, which only amplifies the challenge. February 19, 2023.