ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an exploration of the mutual linkages between energy and materials, their dynamics and their importance. It describes the developments in the two fields separately. The chapter explores the energy requirements of material production, both qualitatively and quantitatively. It focuses on material requirements for energy production. The chapter also provides a discussion on the feedback loops between the energy and the materials system. It presents a research agenda for the energy–materials link. The most prominent development in the global energy system is its continuous and rapid growth. Globally, materials extraction rises steadily, having roughly doubled since 1970, similar to energy use. Absolutely as well as relatively, the growth is highest in minerals, mainly construction minerals. Metals are a relatively small flow but also increase rapidly. Growth takes place especially in emerging economies that are presently building up their infrastructure.
