Last year, Ethical Power joined industry leaders in signing an open letter calling on the UK government to prioritise secure access to critical raw materials. Our message was clear: without a stable supply of critical minerals, the UK risks slowing the pace of the clean-energy transition.
According to the University of Exeter, the UK currently imports 94% of its critical minerals, making industries such as renewables very vulnerable to any fluctuations in the supply chain.¹ The government’s Critical Minerals Strategy aims to mitigate this risk by increasing domestic production of critical minerals to 10% of national demand, as well as the amount we recycle to at least 20% of national demand by 2035.²
Another major pledge is the goal of producing 50,000 tonnes of lithium domestically by 2035, a move which could have a big impact on battery storage manufacturing.
We’re encouraged to see this renewed commitment to strengthening the UK’s position as green energy leaders.
The latest update from the University of Exeter, backed by government funding and integrated into the UK’s Critical Minerals Strategy, also signals an important step toward building a stronger, more sustainable foundation for renewable energy.
Why critical minerals are crucial for solar energy
Solar technology depends on several key raw materials. While silicon is the most widely recognised, the industry also relies on copper, aluminium, lithium, and other specialised elements used in high-efficiency modules and battery storage technologies.
Many components used in renewable energy can take months to ship, with long-lead items such as switch gear, which are essential for energy distribution, often taking over a year to be delivered to a project. In this ecosystem, any supply instability can lead to substantial delays in construction, inflate costs, and complicate long-term planning for investors and renewables companies. Perhaps more importantly, a total reliance on imports for critical minerals seriously undermines our energy security strategies.
As Chris McDonald MP, Minister for Industry in the Department for Energy Security and NetZero, and the Department for Business and Trade, says:
“We need critical minerals for everything – from the phones we use to the cars we drive – and for too long we’ve been dependent on a select few sources for our supplies of them, putting our national security at risk. Now, we’re taking the bold action needed to shore up our supply chains, ramp up domestic production and back businesses with the investment they need to create new jobs and drive growth, as part of our Plan for Change.”
A strong critical minerals strategy can result in:
Improved supply-chain security
A more resilient UK supply chain, whether through domestic production, recycling, or alternative-material innovation, reduces dependency on international markets and minimises risk of bottlenecks.
Greater price stability
Fluctuations in material availability can dramatically affect project costings. More predictable supply helps stabilise the pricing environment for solar construction.
Faster deployment
Shorter supply chains and more efficient resource management improve timelines for procurement, manufacture and installation. This is essential as the UK scales its solar ambitions.
Increased sustainability
Exeter’s work also focuses on responsible extraction and recycling pathways, helping the industry shift from linear to circular material use. This strengthens the environmental integrity of the entire solar lifecycle.
The University of Exeter’s leadership in research
The University of Exeter has emerged as one of the UK’s key academic leaders in this space. Chris McDonald MP (pictured opposite) recently visited the the university’s Cornwall campus and it’s Camborne School of Mines to learn more about their great work. Their newly expanded work includes:
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The Critical Minerals Challenge Centre, a major research hub focused on responsible sourcing, recovery, processing and reuse of critical minerals.
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Partnerships with industry, giving companies across the energy sector access to cutting-edge research and practical pathways to strengthen supply resilience.
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Government-backed funding, enabling advanced research into mineral exploration, circular-economy models, and innovative extraction methods that minimise environmental impact.
The Critical Minerals Challenge Centre, while managed by the University of Exeter, is located in Cornwall, where many strategically critical minerals, including tin, lithium and tungsten, can be found.
Unlocking these minerals in conjunction with industry and government will not only help strengthen our supply chain, but also create jobs and further solidify the UK’s role as leaders in green tech.
Building a renewable energy ecosystem that lasts
As the UK continues to scale its renewable-energy capacity, particularly in solar, the strategic importance of critical raw materials will only grow. The University of Exeter’s work, and the government’s commitment to incorporating it into national strategy, represents a significant step forward.
At Ethical Power, we remain dedicated not only to delivering high-quality solar projects, but also to supporting the wider ecosystem that makes the energy transition possible. Through partnerships and collaboration we can build a resilient industry that delivers clean energy for all.