Modeling Indium Extraction, Supply, Price, Use and Recycling 1930–2200 Using the WORLD7 Model: Implication for the Imaginaries of Sustainable Europe 2050

IF 4.8 2区 地球科学 Q1 GEOSCIENCES, MULTIDISCIPLINARY Natural Resources Research Pub Date : 2024-04-01 DOI:10.1007/s11053-023-10296-z
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Abstract

The increasing need for indium in photovoltaic technologies is set to exceed available supply. Current estimates suggest only 25% of global solar cell demand for indium can be met, posing a significant challenge for the energy transition. Using the WORLD7 model, this study evaluated the sustainability of indium production and overall market supply. The model considers both mass balance and the dynamic interplay of supply–demand in determining indium prices. It is estimated that a total of 312,000 tons of indium can be extracted. However, the primary hindrance to supply is the availability of extraction opportunities and the necessary infrastructure. Unless we improve production capacity, indium may face shortages, hindering the advancement of pivotal technologies. A concern observed is the insufficient rate of indium recycling. Boosting this could greatly alleviate supply pressures. Projections indicate that indium production will reach its peak between 2025 and 2030, while the peak for photovoltaic solar panels due to indium shortages is anticipated around 2090, with an installed capacity of 1200 GW. Thus, the growth of photovoltaic capacity may lag behind actual demand. For a sustainable future, understanding the role of essential metals like indium is crucial. The European Environment Agency (EEA) introduced four “imaginaries” depicting visions of a sustainable Europe by 2050 (SE2050), each representing a unique future set within specific parameters. Currently, Europe is heavily dependent on imports for tech metals and has limited recycling capabilities, putting it at a disadvantage in a global context. To achieve sustainability, there is a need for improved infrastructure for extraction, recycling, and conservation of metals such as indium. These resources are crucial for realizing Europe’s 2050 sustainability objectives. Furthermore, understanding the role of these metals in wider overarching strategies is vital for envisioning a sustainable European Union by 2050, as depicted in the Imaginaries.

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利用 WORLD7 模型模拟 1930-2200 年铟的开采、供应、价格、使用和回收:对 2050 年欧洲可持续发展构想的影响
摘要 光伏技术对铟的需求与日俱增,必将供不应求。目前的估计表明,全球太阳能电池对铟的需求只有 25% 可以得到满足,这对能源转型构成了重大挑战。本研究利用 WORLD7 模型评估了铟生产和整体市场供应的可持续性。该模型既考虑了质量平衡,也考虑了供需双方在决定铟价格时的动态相互作用。据估计,可提取的铟总量为 312,000 吨。然而,供应的主要障碍是开采机会和必要的基础设施。除非我们提高生产能力,否则铟可能会面临短缺,从而阻碍关键技术的发展。一个令人担忧的问题是铟的回收率不足。提高回收率可以大大缓解供应压力。预测显示,铟的产量将在 2025 年至 2030 年间达到峰值,而由于铟短缺,光伏太阳能电池板的峰值预计在 2090 年左右,装机容量将达到 1200 千兆瓦。因此,光伏发电能力的增长可能会落后于实际需求。为了实现可持续发展的未来,了解铟等基本金属的作用至关重要。欧洲环境署(EEA)推出了四种 "想象",描绘了到 2050 年欧洲可持续发展的愿景(SE2050),每种 "想象 "都代表了在特定参数范围内的独特未来。目前,欧洲的技术金属严重依赖进口,回收能力有限,在全球范围内处于劣势。为了实现可持续发展,需要改善铟等金属的提取、回收和保护基础设施。这些资源对于实现欧洲 2050 年可持续发展目标至关重要。此外,了解这些金属在更广泛的总体战略中的作用,对于设想到 2050 年建立一个可持续发展的欧盟至关重要,正如 "想象 "中所描绘的那样。
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来源期刊
Natural Resources Research
Natural Resources Research Environmental Science-General Environmental Science
CiteScore
11.90
自引率
11.10%
发文量
151
期刊介绍: This journal publishes quantitative studies of natural (mainly but not limited to mineral) resources exploration, evaluation and exploitation, including environmental and risk-related aspects. Typical articles use geoscientific data or analyses to assess, test, or compare resource-related aspects. NRR covers a wide variety of resources including minerals, coal, hydrocarbon, geothermal, water, and vegetation. Case studies are welcome.
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