Registration - Raw Materials for the Energy Transition – Sourcing Closer to the EU
Raw Materials for the Energy Transition – Sourcing Closer to the EU
LIVE WEBINAR
30th March 2025
Facilitator
Leon Stille
Leon Stille has a background in Earth Sciences (Bsc) and renewable energy technology (Msc) from the University of Utrecht and is currently pursuing a doctorate in business administration on renewable energy policies. From the start of his career, he has focused on conventional and renewable energy technology development and education. He has held commercial roles in several energy companies such as the Dutch gas grid operator Alliander and international Oil & Gas Company Frames. He worked for the Netherlands organization of Applied sciences (TNO) as business development manager dedicated to enabling and accelerating the energy transition. In this role he has initiated several large-scale international research, development, and pilot programs towards industrial applications of CCUS, biogas and gas conversion and production technologies (hydrogen, ammonia and DME). Always with a strong international focus, specifically in Europe, South-East Asia, North America, and East Africa. He was also the chairmen of the company advisory board of the European Biogas Association for several years. Leon was General manager of New energy business school (former Energy Delta Institute), a business school focused on energy transition topics, between 2019 and beginning of 2023.
Currently, Leon works as managing director of new energy institute. New energy institute is focused on expert advice, education, and innovation. Consulting for companies like the Boston consulting group, Shell, TNO and Berq rng. He is also key lecturer for renewable gas and hydrogen for new energy business school, expert speaker on energy transition topics for several universities (MBA energy transition of the university of Groningen, university of Rotterdam) and often speaks and moderates at conferences and events. He also holds positions as scientific advisor to the European Biogas Association, committee member sustainability of the international gas union and advisor to the global energy community initiative and has 3 patents on biogas purification and conversion.
Guest Speaker
Dr. Alexandre Nominé
Professor and Director International Relations, Ecole Superieur Mines De Nancy
Dr. Alexandre Nominé, an associate professor at the University of Lorraine and head of the School of Mines international office, leads EU-funded projects linking research and education. He heads the HERawS project focusing on raw materials sustainability for green and digital transitions, winning the "Best Business Idea" award from SusCritMat (EIT Raw Materials). His research integrates AI into non-equilibrium nanoparticle synthesis for sustainable materials. Dr. Nominé oversees the GREENANO European Master program in sustainable nanotechnologies. He received the PSE Early Career Award in 2020 and Early-Career Scientist medal of the French Society of Metallurgy and Materials. He has authored 45+ articles with 1500+ citations since 2014.
Description
The energy transition relies on secure access to critical raw materials like lithium, cobalt, and rare earths, yet global supply chains are vulnerable to geopolitical and environmental risks. This webinar explores how the EU can secure these resources by scaling up local mining, recycling, and forging regional partnerships, ensuring a sustainable and resilient supply for renewable energy and storage technologies.
Key Takeaways
- Understand the role of critical raw materials in the energy transition.
- Learn how the EU can reduce dependency on global supply chains.
- Explore innovations in recycling, substitution, and sourcing closer to home.
Outline
1. Introduction
• The critical role of raw materials in renewable energy and energy storage.
• EU’s current dependency on imports and associated risks.
2. Solutions for Securing Raw Materials
• Expanding EU mining and refining capacity responsibly.
• Advancing circular economy strategies like recycling and reuse.
• Forming partnerships with neighboring regions (e.g., North Africa, Balkans).
3. EU Policies and Strategic Initiatives
• Overview of the EU Critical Raw Materials Act.
• How public and private sectors can collaborate to address supply challenges.
4. Innovations for Resilience
• Material efficiency and substitution technologies.
• Leveraging technology to reduce demand for critical materials.
5. Q&A Session