Hainan Province
Critical minerals, policy, and the energy transition
The Energy Transition in Hainan Province
Hainan Province, located in southern China, is actively advancing its energy transition through a series of strategic initiatives that focus on enhancing clean energy development, improving energy infrastructure, and promoting sustainable industrial practices. The province is rich in essential minerals such as iron and zirconium, which are critical for various industrial applications, including renewable energy technologies and infrastructure. Hainan is committed to phasing out coal-fired power plants by 2030, replacing them with renewable energy sources like wind and solar power, significantly reducing CO₂ emissions in the process. The province is also promoting the adoption of new energy vehicles (NEVs), with plans to phase out the sale of gasoline and diesel vehicles by 2030, in line with its broader goals of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Additionally, Hainan is investing heavily in clean energy infrastructure, with over 80% of its energy supply already coming from renewable sources, positioning the island as a leader in clean energy adoption within China. The province has also launched zero-carbon demonstration projects, such as the transformation of Dongyu Island into a model of sustainable development, which aims to showcase replicable green solutions for other regions.
A provincial analysis of China’s critical minerals and policies
SFA explores the provincial frontlines of China’s strategy to secure its future in the global energy transition. As demand for critical minerals rises for electric vehicles, batteries and renewable energy, China sits at the centre of this shift as both producer and consumer. SFA examines how provincial policies, resource endowments and mining practices shape China’s critical minerals landscape. From lithium-rich Qinghai to rare earth-heavy Inner Mongolia, this province-by-province analysis reveals the challenges and opportunities driving China’s role in the future of global energy and environmental policy.


Meet the Critical Minerals team
Trusted advice from a dedicated team of experts.

Henk de Hoop
Chief Executive Officer

Beresford Clarke
Managing Director: Technical & Research

Jamie Underwood
Principal Consultant

Ismet Soyocak
ESG & Critical Minerals Lead

Rj Coetzee
Senior Market Analyst: Battery Materials and Technologies

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