抄録
The transition to renewable energy and next-generation vehicles is accelerating toward 2050 carbon neutrality (CN), driving a surge in demand for critical minerals essential to these technologies. However, their uneven global distribution raises concerns about economic security and supply chain risks. For Japan, achieving carbon neutrality requires avoiding a shift from dependence on fossil fuels to reliance on imported minerals. This study analyzes Japan’s energy system, focusing on electric vehicles and the mineral resources used in lithium-ion battery (LiB) cathodes. It evaluates the impact of mineral price fluctuations on the automotive sector and the broader energy system, including charging infrastructure. By integrating mineral resource constraints into energy system modeling, the study offers insights for policy and technology strategies that enhance both energy security and decarbonization.
