The modern world’s insatiable appetite for technological advancement, coupled with the global shift towards cleaner energy sources, has given rise to an unprecedented demand for essential raw materials. Among these, lithium has emerged as a critical element, powering the batteries that drive electric vehicles (EVs), portable electronics, and renewable energy storage systems. However, as demand for lithium continues to surge, analysts are raising alarm bells about an impending shortage that could have far-reaching implications for industries and economies worldwide.

• The rising demand for lithium

The year 2025 has been pinpointed as a potential turning point where the world could face a significant shortfall in lithium supply. Analysts and experts have been closely scrutinizing this forecast, evaluating the dynamics of lithium demand and supply to decipher the veracity of such claims. One of the key driving factors behind this anticipated shortage is the booming demand for EVs, which rely heavily on lithium-ion batteries. These batteries are not only essential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions but also crucial for transitioning away from fossil fuels.

China, a global leader in EV production and consumption, has been at the forefront of driving lithium demand. BMI, a research unit under Fitch Solutions, predicts a supply deficit by 2025, primarily attributing it to China’s insatiable appetite for lithium, driven by its rapidly growing EV market. BMI forecasts a staggering annual growth rate of 20.4% in China’s lithium demand for EVs alone over the period 2023-2032. In stark contrast, the supply of lithium in China is projected to grow by only 6% during the same period, leaving a substantial gap between demand and supply.

• Global implications of a lithium shortage

China’s prominence in the EV market is inextricably linked to its role as one of the world’s leading lithium producers. As the third-largest producer of lithium, China has the capacity to influence both supply and demand dynamics. However, its burgeoning demand for lithium may soon outstrip its domestic supply, leading to a ripple effect throughout the global lithium market.

The world produced approximately 540,000 metric tons of lithium in 2021. However, projections by the World Economic Forum estimate that global demand for lithium could surge to over 3 million metric tons by 2030. The increasing adoption of EVs, coupled with ambitious clean energy targets set by governments and industries, has driven these estimates. S&P Global Commodity Insights forecasts that EV sales could reach 13.8 million in 2023, a number set to skyrocket to over 30 million by 2030. The race to achieve electrification on such a scale raises concerns about whether the current lithium supply chain can keep pace with the exponential growth in demand.

• Differing perspectives on the imminent shortfall

While many experts agree on the potential for a lithium shortage, there is a divergence of opinions on the timing of this shortfall. Some analysts, like Corinne Blanchard, Deutsche Bank’s Director of Lithium and Clean Tech Equity Research, believe that a shortage in the lithium industry is inevitable due to the rapid growth of demand outstripping supply growth. By the end of 2025, Blanchard envisions a “modest deficit” of around 40,000 to 60,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent. Looking ahead, she forecasts a more substantial deficit, reaching a staggering 768,000 tonnes by the end of 2030.

However, not all analysts predict a shortage as soon as 2025. Some anticipate that the looming supply deficit could become more pronounced by the end of the decade. According to energy research firm Rystad Energy, although new lithium mines and exploration projects could help meet growing demand in the short term, they might only provide a temporary solution. Challenges such as geological complexities and lengthy permitting processes pose obstacles to the rapid scaling of lithium production.

• Challenges in meeting lithium demand

One of the significant challenges in addressing the impending lithium shortage is the complexity of lithium mining and production. Currently, there are only 101 lithium mines worldwide, and the timeline for establishing a new mine can be extensive, often spanning a decade or longer. Developing a lithium mine involves not only discovering viable deposits but also navigating regulatory hurdles and environmental considerations.

Moreover, the distribution of lithium reserves and production capacities is not uniform across regions. This disparity could lead to regional supply imbalances, where certain areas struggle to keep up with the demand for EV batteries. Rystad Energy’s Vice President Susan Zou points out that regional mining and processing capacities in regions like the U.S. and Europe might not be able to match the growing demand for EV batteries, potentially creating a bottleneck in the global supply chain.

• Navigating the path forward

As the world strives to reduce carbon emissions and transition to sustainable energy sources, the demand for lithium will remain robust. The imminent shortage serves as a reminder of the intricate web of challenges facing the energy transition. While there is confidence that the industry will eventually meet the demands of electrification, the transitional period could see the impact of supply constraints on lithium pricing for years to come.

The path forward requires a multi-pronged approach, including accelerating the development of new lithium mining projects, streamlining permitting processes, and enhancing recycling efforts to recover valuable materials from used batteries. Governments, industries, and investors need to collaborate to ensure a stable and sustainable lithium supply chain that supports the goals of cleaner transportation and a greener future.

The looming lithium shortage presents a complex challenge that requires careful navigation. While differing perspectives exist on the timing and extent of the shortfall, there is a consensus on the need for proactive measures to address this issue. As the world stands at the crossroads of energy transformation, the successful management of the lithium supply chain will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of transportation and sustainable energy systems.

Writing by Alireza Sabet; Editing by Sarah White