The Renewable Energy Association (REA) welcomes the publication of the Select Committee report, highlighting the recommendation made at paragraph 141 on the development of a circular economy for critical minerals. The recommendation reflects a key point raised by REA’s Chief Executive, Trevor Hutchings, during his evidence to the Committee.
Hutchings emphasised that reducing the UK’s reliance on highly concentrated international supply chains while building domestic capacity is critical to shielding the country from future geopolitical shock. He welcomed the Committee’s call for increased domestic production, recycling and processing capacity, alongside a more diversified supply chain strategy in partnership with international allies, as a positive step towards achieving this.
Trevor Hutchings, Chief Executive of the REA states, “I’m encouraged to see the MPs on the Business and Trade Committee reflect the case being made by the REA: that developing a circular economy for critical minerals presents a major industrial opportunity for the UK, just as we have seen with clean energy. This offers both environmental and strategic advantages, reducing our reliance on concentrated international supply chains. We now look forward to working with government and industry to ensure it materialises.”
