Copper Powers Data Centres
A new infographic from the Copper Development Center in the U.S. shows at a glance how crucial Copper is to the growing role of Data Centres in modern economies, one that is only going to get bigger.
Data centres are computer server hubs that collect, store and process large amounts of data, requiring extensive network infrastructure and electric power supply.
Copper in Technology
Copper has a vast role in technology given its crucial use in wires that connect power grids and data centres around the planet. As one of the best conductors of electricity, copper maximises efficiency in the transmission and distribution of electricity.
Its thermal conductivity also helps build efficient heat exchangers, which are vital for cooling in data centres. The inherent ductility and malleability of copper make it ideal for shaping into compact system components, like electrical connectors.
Data centres use copper across various electrical applications, including:
- Power cables
- Busbars
- Electrical connectors
- Heat exchangers and sinks
- Power distribution strips
A Big Market
With the rise of cloud computing and the Internet of Things (IoT), the North American data centre infrastructure, for example, is expected to grow from a $33B business in 2020 to $70B in 2030 and $185B in 2040.This, in turn, will amplify the demand for copper. Copper consumption for data centres is estimated to jump from 197,000 tonnes in 2020 to 238,000 tonnes in 2030 and 293,000 tonnes in 2040. To put that into perspective, Microsoft’s $500M data centre in Chicago required 2,177 tonnes of copper for construction.
The Australia Data Center Market size is expected to grow from USD5.98B in 2023 to USD7.58B by 2028. The Australia Government Data Centre Strategy 2010-2025, is leading that growth as it recommends a transition from using government-run data centres to third-party, multi-tenant data centres.
Infographic: https://elements.visualcapitalist.com/why-copper-is-critical-for-data-centers/