Critical minerals take the spotlight as the G7 shapes the future of clean energy
The G7 Summit held in Kananaskis, Alberta (Canada) on 16–17 June 2025 brought together the leaders of the world’s most advanced economies, joined by the European Union and key international partners. Representing the EU, European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the importance of international cooperation to respond…
Energy security and sustainable economic transformation were recurring themes throughout the summit. Discussions reaffirmed that global economic growth is inseparable from access to stable, diversified, and responsibly sourced energy systems. In this context, the G7 launched a Critical Minerals Action Plan, positioning these resources as essential building blocks for the green and digital transitions. Leaders committed to scaling up investment in sustainable mining, supporting innovation, and securing supply chains that are transparent, diversified, and ethically governed. This approach aims to future-proof both industrial competitiveness and environmental responsibility.
Artificial intelligence also featured prominently, not only as a digital priority but as a tool with implications for energy. Through their Statement on AI for Prosperity, the G7 underscored AI’s potential to drive efficiency across energy systems from grid management to demand forecasting. At the same time, leaders acknowledged the rising energy consumption of AI infrastructure and pledged to address it through targeted innovation and energy-efficient technologies.
The conversation around next-generation technologies extended to quantum computing, which leaders recognized as transformative for energy, communications, and security. The G7’s vision includes coordinated investment in quantum R&D, with potential long-term impacts on smart grid development and cross-border energy collaboration.
Geopolitically, the summit took place amid growing instability in Eastern Europe and the Middle East. Support for Ukraine remained firm, with leaders calling for Russia to reciprocate Ukraine’s unconditional ceasefire. Energy market volatility driven by the Iran-Israel crisis was also discussed, with G7 countries prepared to coordinate action to safeguard energy flows and prevent further disruption to global supply chains.
Climate linked emergencies such as wildfires were another point of concern. Leaders adopted the Kananaskis Wildfire Charter, which calls for stronger international cooperation on prevention, response, and resilience. While framed around natural disasters, the charter aligns with broader goals of energy and climate resilience by prioritizing ecosystem protection and infrastructure adaptation.
Beyond energy, the summit addressed global security threats including transnational repression and migrant smuggling and committed to stronger global responses. However, the unifying theme across these diverse topics was the recognition that long-term peace, security, and prosperity depend on inclusive development, sustainable technology, and equitable partnerships.
For initiatives like the Africa–EU Energy Partnership (AEEP), the outcomes of the G7 Kananaskis Summit signal strategic alignment. The G7’s push for responsible critical minerals, clean energy innovation, and technology access creates a platform for deeper collaboration with African partners especially in regions central to renewable resource extraction and energy infrastructure development.
As the AEEP, we welcome these developments and remain committed to supporting Africa’s leadership in the energy transition through coordinated investment, knowledge exchange, and shared innovation.
