The energy shift towards renewable sources will necessitate a substantial collection of resources. This transition has resulted in increased pressure on supply chains as demand increases for materials such as metals used to create batteries, wind turbines, and advanced electronics. Projected growth may not be supported with the current rates of production for minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel. To mitigate this, the government research agency ARPA-E is proposing to use plants to extract valuable metals from soil, a process known as phytomining. They are initially focusing on the extraction of nickel. This method involves using special plants that absorb large amounts of metal through their roots and store it in their tissues. These plants are grown in metal-rich soils, harvested and burnt, and the metals are extracted from the ash. The project seeks to find or create plant species that can economically mine metals in North America.

If researchers can successfully execute this innovative approach, it could provide a viable solution for maintaining a steady supply of essential minerals necessary for a cleaner energy transformation. This approach has potential to be more environmentally friendly than traditional mining methods and also helps rehabilitate soil contaminated with metals. Despite the current concentration on nickel, the method could potentially be extended to other valuable metals as well. However, the major challenge would be identifying a plant species that not only can effectively absorb the nickel but is also suitable for American climates and can grow quickly. This project illustrates the importance of innovative solutions and a broad-based approach in meeting clean energy targets and supporting national security and the economy.