IEA warns solar growth will strain critical mineral supply without recycling programs

The International Energy Agency's solar program found that photovoltaic expansion will drive substantial demand for critical metals, requiring robust recycling infrastructure to sustain long-term growth.

First covered Sep 8, 2026 · 8:48 AM PT · 1 article · no longer in the live window

IEA warns solar growth will strain critical mineral supply without recycling programs — Image via pv-tech.org

Coverage

18d PV Tech Recycling and replacing critical metals ‘key’ to sustainable solar growth – IEA PVPS — Solar PV will play a major role in global demand for critical minerals in the coming decades, according to a report from the International Energy Agency…

More coverage from around the web

iea.org Critical Minerals – Topics - IEA

iea.org Mineral requirements for clean energy transitions – The Role of Critical Minerals in Clean Energy Transitions – Analysis - IEA

enlit.world Critical minerals for the energy transition – a mixed picture | Enlit World

iea.org Recycling of Critical Minerals – Analysis - IEA

iea.org Executive summary – The Role of Critical Minerals in Clean Energy Transitions – Analysis - IEA

Appeared in: 2026-09-08 (#11) · 2026-09-09 (#11)

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