The global shift toward electrification is driving unprecedented demand for copper, a metal critical to renewable energy and electric transport due to its superior conductivity.
Electric vehicles (EVs) require 2–4 times more copper than traditional cars around 83kg per EV compared to 23kg in internal combustion engine vehicles used in batteries, motors, and charging systems.
Similarly, renewable energy systems like wind and solar are copper-intensive; a single wind turbine can contain up to 4 tonnes of copper.
In addition, grid modernization efforts to support decentralized, clean energy are putting further pressure on copper supplies, as upgraded infrastructure demands significant amounts of copper for transmission and distribution(Copper Price Boom, 2025).
From electric vehicles and renewable energy grids to artificial intelligence, what is the single most important metal fueling the global energy transition?
References:
Copper Price Boom: Key Drivers Behind the bullish moves. (2025, March 26). IG. https://www.ig.com/uk/news-and-trade-ideas/what-is-driving-copper-prices-higher-in-2025–250326
