Unraveling Illusions - Sustainable Energy as solution /w Prof. Simon Michaux
Description
Today I’m joined by Professor Simon Michaux, Associate Professor of Geometallurgy at the Geological Survey of Finland, in the Circular Economy Solutions Unit. With a background in physics, geology, and a PhD in mining engineering from the University of Queensland, Simon brings decades of experience—from 18 years in the Australian mining sector, to academic work in Belgium on circular economy and industrial recycling, and now leading research at GTK in Finland.
Simon’s focus is on rethinking how we manage the industrial system as we face two major challenges: the scarcity of critical minerals and the global shift away from fossil fuels. He’s developing a comprehensive framework to connect energy, minerals, and industrial development—arguing that many of our current transition strategies simply don’t hold up to logistical reality.
In this conversation, we’ll explore the hard questions around the energy transition—from fossil fuels to renewables and electric vehicles—and the material constraints that come with it. What’s standing in the way? What would a more practical path forward look like?
What you’ll learn:
How much material would a full energy transition actually require?
Is 100% renewables even possible at scale?
And can we realistically phase out fossil fuels without a major industrial rethink?
United States
