Increase in demand for critical materials under IEA Net-Zero emission by 2050 scenario

•The demand for critical materials in 2050 will increase by 16 times compared with 2020 under the net zero emission scenario.•Electric motors will overtake wind turbines as major consumers of rare earth elements.•Demand for most photovoltaic-related materials will peak around 2035 and then gradually decline.•Recycling has limited contribution to material supply in the short term.