Wind Energy Industry and Critical Mineral Trade Network Security
摘要
The wind energy industry is an important part of the sustainable energy system, and its rapid development requires a stable supply of critical minerals. This chapter analyses the development trend of the global wind energy industry, the global distribution pattern of critical minerals, and the strategic position of a country that has a core role in international trade. The chapter uses the trade network security index built in Chapter 4 to evaluate critical minerals in the industry, the supply stability of molybdenum, cobalt, and chromium, and the influence of various countries in the global trade network. The study reported here shows that among the critical minerals required by the wind energy industry, cobalt has the highest trade risk. The main countries affecting the cobalt trade network include the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), China, and African countries. China, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Finland have formulated critical mineral policies on the wind energy industry. These policies are focussed on rare earth resources.