Deep dive on critical raw materials for wind turbines in the EU

The transition to clean energy is both a climate imperative and a materials challenge. This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the supply chain for wind turbines, a cornerstone of the EU's energy transition strategy. Significant dependencies are found for rare earth elements including neodymium, dysprosium, praseodymium, and terbium, critical for high-performance wind turbine magnets, and balsa wood for turbine blades, with the People's Republic of China and Ecuador dominating these respective supply chains. Supply chain vulnerabilities are identified, including geopolitical risks and environmental concerns, alongside opportunities for enhancing circularity and advancing the use of substitute materials. In line with EU measures such as the Critical Raw Materials Act and the Net-Zero Industry Act, this study underscores the urgency of diversifying supply sources, scaling recycling efforts, and fostering innovation to bolster the resilience of the EU's wind energy sector.