A new report says the global wind turbine fleet to consume over 5.5Mt of copper by 2028.
Over 650 GW of new onshore and 130 GW of new offshore wind capacity will be installed by 2028 says Wood Mackenzie. And that will use over 5.5Mt of copper.
“Wind technology is the most copper-intensive form of power generation and is anticipated to consume the largest amount of copper over the next ten years in this sector,” said Henry Salisbury, Wood Mackenzie research analyst.
Within a wind turbine, copper is used in the generator, power transformers, gearbox and tower cabling. Approximately 58% of copper consumed within wind installations is through cabling.
“In order to generate, transmit and distribute the energy, copper is required due to its low electrical resistivity, high conductivity, malleability and durability,” said Henry Salisbury.
“As a result of the intensity of copper within wind farm projects and the increasing demand for wind energy, consumption of copper is substantial and forecast to grow significantly over the next decade.”
China is forecast to see the strongest growth in new onshore capacity, followed by the US. Europe and in particular the UK, the Netherlands and Germany will lead offshore installation.
“Due to higher copper intensity, offshore turbines will command an increasing share of copper consumption. The progressive development of larger wind turbines will increase copper intensities, providing an upside risk to copper consumption in the longer-term beyond 2024,” said Salisbury.
