We have identified key materials fundamental to the construction of our global portfolio of renewable energy projects across offshore and onshore wind, solar, and battery energy storage systems (BESS). Steel is a primary focus at this stage, given its significant role in renewable energy infrastructure and its high potential for recyclability. The use of scrap steel is a norm in steel production, with its content varying across geographies and reflecting established industry practices. Approximately 80% of the steel we source used in the production of steel plates for foundations comes from Europe, where supplier data indicates that, on average, 35% of the material used in these plates derive from scrap. While we account for geographic variability in our presentation, reflected in a range of 20 - 35%, our current estimates place us at the upper end. In addition to steel, critical raw materials, such as copper, aluminium, and rare earth elements (REEs), are essential for renewable energy technologies but present negative impacts and risks related to the depletion of virgin materials and the scarcity of supply. Improving the recyclability of materials such as plastics and glass fibres, including composites used in wind turbine blades, is a priority to reduce reliance on finite resources and ensure sustainable materials.

Technical materials, scrap steel used in steel production: In absolute value: 59,200 - 103,700 tonnes; In percentage: 20 - 35%

Technical materials, scrap steel used in steel production: In absolute value: 59,200 - 103,700 tonnes; In percentage: 20 - 35%

The technical materials for constructing new assets are tracked to provide a detailed understanding of material usage and composition for offshore and onshore renewable energy projects (offshore wind, onshore wind, solar PV, and battery storage assets (BESS) above 100 MW). Material inflows reflect assets currently under construction within the reporting year. Our in-house LCA analysis forms the foundation of the methodology, with the highest maturity for offshore assets. External verified studies supplement the project-specific data for battery energy storage systems (BESS), solar PV, and onshore wind. Material usage is accounted for when main components are recognised as installed. This process involves detailed mapping of materials associated with each main component to ensure accurate tracking and reporting.

Steel produced via electric arc furnaces (EAFs), which use scrap steel as feedstock, significantly lowers the need for virgin iron ore compared to traditional blast furnace-basic oxygen furnace (BF-BOF) methods that rely heavily on it. Even though recycled content is widely used in steel production, low-emissions steel still has a limited market availability. Closing this gap is key to cutting emissions, reducing reliance on virgin materials, and advancing a more circular steel industry. Thus, our focus is on sourcing lower-emissions steel, as it represents the most impactful opportunity to drive meaningful progress in reducing the environmental footprint of steel production.