Reducing reliance on scarce elements by utilizing alternative semiconductors.
Advanced Materials
Stakeholder workshop: advanced materials solutions to reduce CRM dependencies
The European Commission invites stakeholders from industry, research, and policy to an online workshop on advanced materials solutions to reduce dependencies on Critical Raw Materials (CRMs) in the mobility, construction, and electronics sectors.
This technical workshop supports a JRC and DG RTD study under the Communication on Advanced Materials for Industrial Leadership (COM(2024) 98). This study will help to inform the impact assessment of the upcoming Advanced Materials Act. It presents the draft analyses of advanced material innovations with the potential to reduce dependencies on critical raw materials.
Date and time: 5 February 2026, 10:00–12:00 (online)
Registration: https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/20ec660d-4ceb-a02d-5f8c-066b9630e837
Relevant draft analysis documents will be shared with registered participants in advance of the workshop. Written feedback following the workshop within a two-week period is foreseen and will contribute to the finalisation of the study.
Workshop focus
The workshop will:
- Present draft analyses of advanced-material solutions developed under this study
- Enable technical exchange and feedback on the proposed advanced-material solution pathways
Scope: Technology and critical raw materials analysed
The workshop will focus on advanced-material solutions addressing CRM reduction in key applications identified in each sector.
1. Mobility (passenger cars)
In passenger cars, these CRMs are associated with lightweight structures and high-performance components, including lightweight cast parts (Mg), exhaust after-treatment systems and selected electronic finishes (Pd), micro-alloying in advanced high-strength steels (Nb), connector materials and thermal substrates (Be) and radar & LiDAR electronics (Ga, Ge).
2. Electronics
In electronics, the analysis covers CRMs used in semiconductor devices, photonics, and passive components, such as RF front ends and power devices (Ga), infrared optics and photonic components (Ge), high-reliability capacitors (Ta), MLCC and connector finishes (Pd), high-thermal-conductivity substrates (Be), and advanced semiconductor dielectrics (Hf).
3. Construction
In the construction sector, the analysis focuses on CRM use in selected priority applications, notably plastics and PVC-based products for electrical installations, where antimony- and boron-containing additives are used, and flat-glass manufacturing, where cerium oxide is used in polishing and buffing processes.
Strategic Opportunities and Raw Material Challenges Across Key Sectors
Across mobility, electronics, construction, and energy sectors, the EU's increasing dependence on Critical Raw Materials underscores the urgent need for diversified supply chains, innovative recycling methods, and strategic partnerships to ensure sustainable economic growth and technological advancement.
Advanced materials are paving the way for sustainable solutions. These materials enhance performance, reduce dependencies on critical raw materials (CRMs), and boost EU competitiveness.
Electronics
The EU relies heavily on gallium, germanium, tantalum, and rare earth elements for consumer electronics and digital technologies.
Mobility
E-mobility transition requires lithium, cobalt, nickel, platinum group metals, and rare earth elements for batteries and motors.
Construction
The sector uses aluminium, copper, feldspar, niobium and borates for various applications in building technologies.
Energy
Green transition demands silicon, rare earth elements, graphite, and vanadium for renewable energy technologies.
Powering Electronics Innovation
The electronics sector's reliance on CRMs, including gallium, germanium, tantalum, and cobalt, poses significant challenges. Advanced materials provide innovative alternatives to mitigate these dependencies.
1
Alternative Semiconductors
2
Quantum Dots and Perovskites
Quantum dots and perovskites for high-definition displays and advanced sensors.
3
Graphene-Based Photodetectors
Employing graphene-based photodetectors for high-speed optical communications.
4
Recyclable Components
Designing recyclable electronic components to foster a circular economy.
Revolutionizing Mobility with Advanced Materials
The mobility sector heavily relies on CRMs like rare earth elements (neodymium, dysprosium), lithium, cobalt, nickel, and platinum group metals. Advanced materials can offer solutions to reduce these dependencies and improve vehicle performance.
Lightweight Composites
Improves fuel efficiency by reducing vehicle weight.
CRM-Free Magnets
Eliminates rare earth elements in electric motors.
Bio-Based Polymers
Enhances sustainability through renewable resources.
Novel Battery Chemistries
Reduces lithium and cobalt use for enhanced sustainability.
Building a Sustainable Future
The construction sector depends on CRMs like chromium, manganese, vanadium, and rare earths, especially for lighting. Advanced materials are transforming construction practices to reduce CO₂ emissions and enhance infrastructure lifespan.
Bio-Based Concrete
Bio-based concrete lowers CO₂ emissions through sustainable building practices.
Smart Materials
Using smart materials enhances structural durability, ensuring longevity.
Self-Healing Materials
Self-healing materials extend infrastructure lifespan by automatically repairing damage.
Advanced Insulation
Advanced insulation technologies provide enhanced energy efficiency for buildings.
Energizing the Future with Innovation
The energy sector relies on CRMs such as rare earths (neodymium, dysprosium), silicon, graphite and cobalt. Innovative materials are crucial for enhancing energy efficiency, reducing CRM dependency, and supporting sustainable solutions.
Perovskite Solar Cells
Perovskite solar cells and tandem photovoltaics offer high efficiency in energy conversion.
Advanced Storage
Advanced storage solutions reduce lithium dependency through innovative technologies.
Hydrogen Storage
Innovative hydrogen storage materials support clean energy initiatives.
Carbon Capture
Carbon capture technologies using porous materials help mitigate climate change.
Europe at the Forefront of Advanced Materials Research
- Europe is leading the charge in advanced materials research.
- This is done through strategic initiatives like the Materials 2030 Manifesto and the Critical Raw Materials Act.
- These efforts align with global sustainability goals and strengthen EU competitiveness.
The European Commission's Communication on Advanced Materials for Industrial Leadership (COM(2024) 98 final) outlines 14 key actions to drive innovation and competitiveness in Europe. One of these actions is to identify the research and innovation needed to reduce dependencies on Critical Raw Materials (CRMs) by developing alternative Advanced Materials.
Reducing Dependencies on Critical Raw Materials through Advanced Materials
This chapter focuses on the initiative of developing and promoting advanced materials that reduce dependencies on critical raw materials (CRMs), strengthening Europe’s autonomy in key sectors and fostering sustainable innovation.
The project, Reducing Dependencies on Critical Raw Materials through Advanced Materials, targets three strategic sectors: mobility, construction, and electronics.
Project Timeline
Further details
For further details on the European Commission's priorities in this field, you can access:
- The European Commission Research & Innovation (RTD) website
- The EU Communication on Advanced Materials for Industrial Leadership
“One of the key strategies is the substitution of CRM and reduction of their use, in order to improve material efficiency and reduce dependencies on critical resources. The Commission will seek to identify what R&I is needed to help promote the substitution of CRMs with alternative advanced materials”
"The Commission, with the support of the Board, should identify projects in the Union intended to start or expand the extraction, processing, or recycling of strategic raw materials, or the production and scale-up of materials that can substitute strategic raw materials in strategic technologies"
For questions or assistance, contact us at: JRC-Advanced-Materials-CRM@ec.europa.eu
We look forward to your contributions to this important initiative!