On 28 September, in Paris, the International Energy Agency (IEA) will host the first ever international summit on critical minerals and their role in the clean energy. The focus will be on how to promote the secure, sustainable and responsible supply of raw materials that have a central role in the global clean energy transition.

The IEA Critical Minerals and Clean Energy Summit will gather ministers from countries around the world – including both large mineral producers and consumers – as well as business leaders, investors, heads of international organisations and civil society representatives. The Summit presents a unique opportunity to foster a broader consensus among participants regarding critical raw materials for energy.

Given the increasing prominence and importance of hydrogen and its derivatives in the transition to net-zero energy, the essential role of Platinum Group Metals (PGMs) to this mission should feature more prominently in discussions.

In this context, Hydrogen Europe has joined forces with the International Platinum Association, Eurometaux, and the European Precious Metals Federation to draft a joint briefing note emphasising the essential role of PGMs in the hydrogen economy. We distilled our insights into four main recommendations:

1. Anticipated stability in current global PGM availability: Platinum (Pt) and Iridium (Ir) supply is stable, with Pt finding new demand in fuel cells and electrolysers. Policies supporting fuel cell mobility are essential for the hydrogen economy’s growth.
2. Improvement in mineral efficiency in clean technologies with reduced loading: Efficiency improvements in using Platinum (Pt) and Iridium (Ir) in fuel cells and electrolysers, along with recycling, ensure a sustainable supply. Policies promoting R&D and deployment of high-efficiency materials are crucial for the hydrogen economy’s development.
3. Implementation of end-of-life strategies from the beginning: PGMs like Platinum (Pt) and Iridium (Ir) are highly recyclable, and existing recycling infrastructure should support the growing hydrogen industry. Effective end-of-life equipment management and collection policies are vital for maximizing PGM recycling.
4. Caution against stockpiling PGMs, as it is not a solution but rather a potential threat: PGMs are efficiently used and recycled, supporting various industrial applications, including hydrogen. Stockpiling and protectionist strategies should be approached with caution to avoid disrupting the market, especially for less common metals like Iridium.

Click here to read the joint briefing note

Click here to find out about the IEA Critical Minerals and Clean Energy Summit 

Click here to read our Hydrogen Europe’s position paper on the Critical Raw Materials Act