Strategic Minerals Drive Global Hydrogen Economy and Renewable Energy Growth

Hydrogen is emerging as a key player in the transition to clean energy, with automakers exploring hydrogen-powered vehicles and the industry focusing on building the necessary infrastructure and securing critical minerals for hydrogen production and transport, particularly through electrolysis. Recycling strategic minerals such as tin, rare earths, and copper from scrap and industrial waste is gaining importance, especially in the U.S., to reduce dependency on imports and support technological and energy development. Zinc, a historically significant and highly recyclable metal, continues to play a crucial role in energy infrastructure through applications like galvanisation, which protects metals and enhances durability in construction and transportation. Southeast Asia is positioned to become a major renewable energy hub due to its favorable climate, geography, and abundant resources like solar, hydro, geothermal, and bioenergy, which could strengthen its role in the global energy transition. The rapid expansion of solar and wind power technologies highlights the critical role of minerals such as silicon, silver, and copper, with global investment in clean energy nearing $2 trillion, though further funding and broader adoption are necessary to meet climate targets.