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Bipul GuptaAIR 103· 2023

Question 6Discuss vulnerabilities in energy security related to critical mineralsGS3GS1

While critical minerals are driving the clean energy transition, they bring new vulnerabilities with regard to energy security. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)

Open scan (p.14)

Introduction

Lithium used in Lion batteries, rare earth used in electronics, Gallium used in semi conductors are some critical minerals for renewable energy generation.

23 words

Main Body

Significanceachieve renewable targets

⊢COOGW renewable energy capacity

⊢Overcome storage limitations

⊢Overcome duck curve issue

⊢Demand supply mismatch

⊢With lifetime use in electronics.

Vulnerabilities in energy security:

1Uneven distribution in court
2China has >30% rare earth offset
2Mispreparation of trade
3China putting gallium export curb to the US
3Revised processing paucity
4Although China has very low lithium reserves, it procures more than 60% of global lithium
4Difficult in extraction
3Rare earth have many identical physical chemical properties
3Prone to global events, pandemic
3Semiconductor shortage during China covid-19 lockdown
6Challenge of waste disposal & recycling

⊢ 40% e-waste handled by informal sector

Solution: strengthening mineral security partnership, contain R&D and ore exploration will help achieve SDG-7[clean]

127 words3 paragraphs

Conclusion

Strengthening mineral security partnership, contain R&D and ore exploration will help achieve SDG-7 [clean energy]

15 words

Diagram

Flow chart showing 'significance of critical minerals' with branches to renewable targets, COOGW capacity, storage, duck curve, and demand-supply issues

  • Identifies key critical minerals with specific uses
  • Mentions renewable energy targets
  • Discusses technical challenges like duck curve and storage
  • Addresses geopolitical vulnerability (China dominance)

Topper

Bipul Gupta

AIR 1032023

Subject & Paper

GS3GS1

Topic

Important Geophysical Phenomena

Critical minerals and energy security

Clean energy transition and vulnerabilities

Writing Stats

165

Total words

3

Paragraphs

analytical/structured

Tone