For a cleaner, greener and more sustainable planet, the world needs to become far more energy efficient than ever before and must learn to “do more with less”. The gains from energy efficiency are many and have been well documented over time. It includes reduced consumption of the products and raw materials used for its manufacture, and savings for consumers because of lower energy bills thereby improving the purchasing power of the individual or family. Finally, higher efficiency standards of products also imply less carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions thus becoming a key contributor to the global fight against climate change.
It is copper’s inherent properties of conductivity, ductility, efficiency, and recyclability that make it an ideal metal for substantial energy efficiency and ensures that India can achieve its ambitious decarbonisation goals—becoming a net-zero emission country by 2070. It is also a vital component of electrical grids, and green energy—used in the manufacture of wind turbines, solar panels and modules– electric vehicles and rechargeable batteries, thereby making them more energy efficient.
Copper’s electric and thermal properties also ensure that the grid works at full capacity. Stabilising renewable energy sources also requires large amounts of electrical storage capacity to balance the grid using batteries. However, the most used lithium-ion batteries usually contain about 0.5 kg of copper per kWh, says a report titled “Copper—The Pathway to Net Zero,” by the International Copper Association. The report also points out that an estimated 30 to 40% of emissions can be reduced compared to the baseline mainly through the switch to green electricity.
Copper will also go a long way in erecting energy-efficient infrastructure. Its use in electrical wiring and distribution systems allows for efficient transmission and distribution of electricity with little energy loss, thereby reducing energy consumption and costs. It is the second-best conductor of electricity in the metal sector, behind silver, an expensive precious metal.
Copper is also a vital component in industrial and home appliances where it is used in motors to achieve higher efficiency and lower energy consumption, resulting in significant energy savings of up to 30%. Because of its excellent properties of thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance, the metal is also useful in air conditioning and refrigeration cooling systems. Although highly efficient cables, motors and transformers typically use 20 – 50% more copper than conventional ones, they substantially reduce energy losses. The variability of renewable energy sources also requires large amounts of electrical storage capacity to balance the grid through the use of batteries. However, the most used lithium-ion batteries usually contain about 0.5 kg of copper per kWh, says the report Copper — The Pathway to Net Zero, by the International Copper Association.
For instance, the International Copper Association estimates that for each tonne of copper used in various products, their users can save between USD 25,000 and USD 2,500,000 over the lifetime of the products. Hence, despite emitting 3.5 tonnes of CO2 in the production of one tonne of copper cathode of 99.9 % purity, using copper to manufacture these products still makes eminent sense. These products emit between 100 and 7,500 fewer tonnes of CO2. In fact, by incorporating copper into the motor of the appliances it can make them far more energy efficient. These motors significantly improve driving performance
and energy efficiency.
As the world shifts towards electric mobility, the importance of copper will increase manifold. The average small electric car will use about 40 kilograms of copper compared to only 10 kilograms for a standard combustible engine vehicle, and an electric bus can use up to 70 kilograms of copper. Moreover, EVs are far more efficient than cars using traditional internal combustion engines because ICE cars have an energy efficiency of only 40% because 60% is lost in heat and friction. As a result, ICE cars consume far more energy travelling the same distance as an EV. They are also greener because they produce fewer emissions, create less noise pollution as they have fewer parts, and provide smoother acceleration and deceleration.
Copper imports have touched an all-time high underscoring issues and disruptions in the domestic supply chain. Addressing these issues is imperative to achieving our ambitious climate goals. Starting new copper plants and reviving the Tuticorin-based Sterlite Company can alleviate pressure on the domestic supply chain, reduce our dependence on imports, and help in creating a more sustainable India.
In short, copper use in a vast array of technological solutions has the collective potential to increase energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and ensure a seamless pathway to a sustainable world.
