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The energy transition process calls for striving interventions towards low-carbon technologies. While their deployment is expected to drive down greenhouse gases emissions, it is expected to bring along intense critical materials exploitation. This article presents a quantitative framework to assess the impact of energy transition pathways in terms of raw materials extraction, coupling Input-Output models with energy modelling methodologies, defined as Dynamic Extraction and Recycling Input-Output framework (DYNERIO). The framework is analytically formalized and tested through a conceptual two-regions example based on EXIOBASE dataset. DYNERIO is composed by three modules: an environmentally-extended Multi-Regional Input-Output model assesses the demand of energy carriers based on exogenously defined final demand of commodities in future scenarios; an energy optimization model quantifies the time-evolution of the technology capacity stocks needed to satisfy such demand; finally, a third module quantifies the amount of materials demanded, recycled and extracted by each region to manufacture the capacity requirements. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Russia's invasion of Ukraine fuelled an energy crisis, which considerably impacted Europe given its heavy reliance on Russian natural gas imports. This study uses an ensemble of four global integrated assessment models, which are further soft-linked to two sectoral models, and explores the synergies and trade-offs among three approaches to living without Russian gas in Europe: (a) replacing with other gas imports, (b) boosting domestic energy production, and (c) reducing demand and accelerating energy efficiency. We find that substituting Russian gas from other trade partners would miss an opportunity to accelerate decarbonisation in end-use sectors while risking further fossil-fuel lock-ins, despite featuring the lowest gas price spikes and potentially reducing heating costs for end-users in the near term. Boosting domestic, primarily renewable, energy production on the other hand would instead require considerable investments, potentially burdening consumers. Energy demand reductions, however, could offer considerable space for further emissions cuts at the lowest power-sector investment costs; nonetheless, an energy efficiency-driven strategy would also risk relocation of energy-intensive industries, an aspect of increasing relevance to EU policymakers. • Three 'corner' strategies to replacing Russian natural gas in the EU are explored. • EU climate targets can still be reached in all three strategies, but costs increase. • Promoting energy efficiency or domestic renewables can boost end-use decarbonisation. • An 'energy efficiency first' response may save millions € in annual electricity costs. • Southern Europe is the most vulnerable to high electricity prices across strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]