About this Training Course
The global energy sector is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by rapid electrification, the expansion of renewable energy, and the rise of energy storage technologies. At the heart of this transition lies an essential but often underappreciated enabler: critical materials. These minerals and metals including lithium, cobalt, nickel, copper, and rare earth elements form the foundation of modern energy systems, from electric vehicles and battery storage to wind turbines and power grids.
Demand for these materials is accelerating at an unprecedented pace, with projections indicating a multi-fold increase over the coming decades as clean energy deployment scales globally. However, this rapid growth also introduces significant challenges. Supply chains for critical materials are often geographically concentrated, constrained by long development timelines, and increasingly shaped by geopolitical dynamics and policy interventions. As a result, these materials are emerging not only as essential inputs, but also as strategic bottlenecks that could influence the speed, cost, and security of the energy transition.
This 2-day comprehensive training provides a structured and commercially grounded exploration of critical materials within the context of evolving energy markets. It moves beyond high-level narratives to examine the key drivers of demand, supply constraints, and end-to-end supply chain dynamics, from resource extraction through processing, manufacturing, and final application in energy technologies. Participants will also gain insight into the role of policy, geopolitics, and market competition in shaping material availability and pricing.
By integrating technical, economic, and strategic perspectives, the course equips participants with the ability to critically assess risks, identify opportunities, and understand how material constraints interact with energy transition pathways. It is designed for professionals who require a clear, data-driven understanding of how critical materials underpin and may ultimately limit or reshape the future of global energy systems.
- Define what is meant by ‘critical’ materials, how these definitions are made, and why they differ
- Understand the fundamental limits (or otherwise) to resources such as ‘rare earth elements’ and other key materials Identify the immediate and longer-term energy transition and security challenges presented by critical materials
- Evaluate the extent to which critical materials could slow the shift to ‘electrification’ of energy systems
- List and critically assess recent political and policy activity, including how it could change critical materials markets
- Understand the full end-to-end supply chain for critical materials, and why primary supply is only one of the supply security challenges for consumer countries
- Evaluate how countries who can produce and process critical materials are positioning themselves for future economic success
- Discuss how technological change, including materials substitutions and new technologies could change the ‘criticality’ of key materials
- Corporate Strategy Manager leading long-term planning and evaluates market risks, including supply chain and material constraints.
- Business Development Manager (Energy / Infrastructure) identifying new opportunities and partnerships, especially in rapidly evolving energy markets.
- Investment Manager (Energy / Infrastructure / ESG) assessing project viability, risks, and returns linked to energy transition investments.
- Renewable Energy Project Developer developing solar, wind, or hybrid projects where material costs and availability impact delivery.
- BESS Project Manager / Energy Storage Lead overseeing battery storage projects heavily dependent on critical materials like lithium and nickel.
- Procurement / Supply Chain Manager managing sourcing strategies and supplier risks for materials and components.
- Energy Policy Advisor / Government Officer shaping policies related to energy security, industrial strategy, and critical materials.
- Market Analyst (Energy / Commodities) tracking supply-demand trends, pricing, and geopolitical risks affecting materials markets.
- Sustainability / ESG Manager driving decarbonisation while managing risks tied to material sourcing and supply chains.
- Data Centre / Industrial Energy Manager ensuring energy reliability and cost control in high-growth sectors dependent on electrification.
- Basic
- Intermediate
The training will present up-to-date analysis of data and examples of critical material resources and supply chains, along with vital intelligence on recent shifts and interventions in policy, from governments around the world. In the context of this information, participants will be encouraged to discuss with the trainer and fellow participants how critical materials impact their own business activities, with plenty of time for Q&A built in for this purpose. In addition to the highly-interactive, on-the-day presentation style, participants will be provided with a number of lengthy key reports, data sources and other materials to aid their ongoing learning beyond the two days in classroom.
Your expert instructor trainer is an internationally renowned, fully independent energy communicator and business educator with over twenty years of experience in energy and power systems analysis. His work focuses on the commercial opportunities and risks arising from the transition to cleaner energy systems, with particular expertise across renewable power, hydrogen and clean fuels, energy storage, grid systems, electrification, and energy security.
In addition to his independent analysis and advisory work, he has delivered training in over thirty countries across five continents, working with a wide range of organisations from small, product-focused startups to some of the world’s largest energy companies. His training is consistently valued for its independent, “hype-free” perspective, and for being continuously updated to reflect current market developments.
A core strength of his approach is the ability to bridge technical and commercial perspectives, integrating clear, data-backed explanations of energy technologies with insights into economic drivers, financial considerations, market competition, and practical deployment challenges. This ensures that participants gain not only technical understanding, but also real-world business relevance.
Prior to establishing his independent practice, he spent over a decade as a global business intelligence provider, where he led market identification, analysis, and project development initiatives, and managed teams across the UK and US. He holds a First Class Master’s degree in Natural Sciences from the University of Cambridge, a PhD in Earth Sciences from the Open University, and a Diploma in Innovation, Economics & Sustainability (Distinction). His multidisciplinary background enables him to bridge technical, economic, and policy perspectives, providing participants with practical, data-driven insights into complex energy challenges.
Unlock the potential of your workforce with customized in-house training programs designed specifically for the energy sector. Our tailored, in-house courses not only enhance employee skills and engagement but also offer significant cost savings by eliminating travel expenses. Invest in your team’s success and achieve specific outcomes aligned with your organization’s goals through our expert training solutions. Request for further information regarding our on-site or in-house training opportunities.
In our ongoing commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, we will no longer providing hard copy training materials. Instead, all training content and resources will be delivered in digital format. Inspired by the oil and energy industry’s best practices, we are leveraging on digital technologies to reduce waste, lower our carbon emissions, ensuring our training content is always up-to-date and accessible. Click here to learn more.
To further optimise your learning experience from our courses, we also offer individualized “One to One” coaching support for 2 hours post training. We can help improve your competence in your chosen area of interest, based on your learning needs and available hours. This is a great opportunity to improve your capability and confidence in a particular area of expertise. It will be delivered over a secure video conference call by one of our senior trainers. They will work with you to create a tailor-made coaching program that will help you achieve your goals faster.
Request for further information post training support and fees applicable
Critical Materials in the Energy Transition are minerals and metals that clean energy technologies need. For example, these include lithium, nickel, cobalt, graphite, copper, and rare earth elements. Companies use them in batteries, wind turbines, solar panels, electric vehicles, and power grids. In general, a material becomes critical when demand rises quickly or supply stays limited.
These materials support the shift to low-carbon energy systems. For instance, batteries need them to store power. Likewise, wind turbines and motors use them to improve performance. In addition, power grids need large amounts of copper and other metals. As a result, weak supply can delay projects and raise costs.
Critical Materials in the Energy Transition help build modern energy systems. First, they improve battery storage and support electric transport. Next, they strengthen renewable power and grid expansion. They also help improve energy efficiency. Overall, they provide the building blocks for electrification and decarbonization.
However, these materials also create major challenges. For example, mining can harm land, water, and ecosystems. In some cases, supply chains also raise labor and human rights concerns. Meanwhile, prices can change quickly, which makes planning harder. In addition, supply often depends on a small number of countries, so risk increases.
Fossil fuels produce energy through combustion. By contrast, Critical Materials in the Energy Transition help build the technologies that generate, store, or deliver energy. For example, a battery contains lithium, but it does not burn lithium. Therefore, the main risk shifts from fuel supply to mineral supply and processing capacity.
Looking ahead, demand will likely rise as countries expand electric vehicles, renewable power, and battery storage. At the same time, recycling will become more important as more batteries reach end of life. In addition, new technologies may reduce the use of some scarce materials. Even so, Critical Materials in the Energy Transition will remain essential for clean energy growth.
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