Circular Economy Solutions for Critical Raw Materials for the Energy Transition - Opportunities for German-Japanese cooperation

Keywords: Circular Economy & Resource Efficiency, Energy Transition, Climate Action | Study published: July 2024

Circular economy approaches offer significant opportunities for the sustainable and resource-efficient implementation of energy and climate policy goals. These approaches help secure access to critical raw materials for the energy transition while simultaneously reducing the carbon footprint in the production of essential technologies. Germany and Japan have recognised this potential. They strive to enhance the circularity of raw materials. As like-minded partners, both countries can learn from each other's approaches and strategies. Together, they can shape and strengthen the transition to a cleaner energy supply, supported by a broader application of circular economy in the context of critical raw materials for energy transition technologies. The study provides an overview of the status regarding access to selected critical raw materials, the expansion targets of Germany and Japan for key energy transition technologies, the existing political approaches, as well as the needs and challenges for strengthening circular economy in this context. It highlights similarities and differences in the countries' approaches and identifies opportunities for mutual learning and cooperation within and beyond the German-Japanese Energy Partnership. 

Germany and Japan are well positioned regarding recycling and waste infrastructure. There is still room for progress for the recovery of critical raw materials and the further development of targeted circular solutions for specific energy transition technologies.