The United States is making impressive strides towards its ambitious clean energy and transportation goals. With the White House committed to achieving 100% carbon pollution-free electricity by 2035 and a net-zero emissions economy by 2050, the shift towards clean energy is well underway. One of the most notable targets is the aim for half of all new vehicles sold in 2030 to be zero-emission vehicles, demonstrating a clear focus on sustainability in both energy and transportation.
The national grid has undergone substantial transformation in recent years, with more than 80% of new capacity in 2021 coming from renewable sources. This shift towards renewable energy is not a passing trend, but part of a broader commitment at both the federal and state levels to transition towards 100% clean energy. The adoption of clean transportation is also seeing impressive growth, with electric vehicles (EVs) now accounting for 7.2% of total vehicle sales in the US, up from 5.8% in 2022. The variety of EVs has expanded significantly, with over 50 models now offering ranges exceeding 300 miles, a far cry from the 13 models available in 2021. This shift is not confined to passenger vehicles, as the electrification of public transport and commercial vehicles continues to grow, signalling a promising future for clean, sustainable transportation.
Copper plays an essential role in this transition, contributing to the development and infrastructure of clean energy systems and electric vehicles. Its excellent conductivity, resistance to corrosion, and malleability make it indispensable in the manufacture of EVs, charging stations, and renewable energy technologies. As renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal continue to expand, the need for copper grows. These technologies require far more copper than traditional fossil fuel plants, due to the vast areas covered by renewable power plants, which require extensive cabling and other components to connect the various elements of the energy system. Copper is integral to turbines, generators, transformers, inverters, electrical cables, and power electronics, making it a cornerstone of the renewable energy sector.
In the electric vehicle market, copper is equally important. With 1.7 million electric cars currently in operation in the US, and each EV containing an average of 183 lbs of copper, the demand for this material is substantial. The total weight of copper used in these vehicles alone is impressive, amounting to over 308 million pounds. Copper’s role extends beyond vehicles themselves, as it is also a critical component in the charging infrastructure. With over 56,000 EV stations and 148,000 charging ports across the country, the installation of more charging stations will need to accelerate significantly to meet the projected number of EVs on the road by 2030.
One of copper’s key sustainability advantages is its recyclability. Copper can be reused many times without losing its beneficial properties, making it an ideal material for a circular economy. Scrap copper can be directly remelted into new electrical products, eliminating the need for the energy-intensive smelting and refining process required by other metals. This means that copper used in renewable energy projects, EVs, and charging stations can continue to contribute to the green energy transition long after its initial use.
Copper is a crucial material in the United States’ push towards a cleaner, more sustainable future. Its role in both clean energy and transportation is indispensable, and its inclusion in the US Department of Energy’s list of critical materials underscores its importance. As a highly recyclable material with remarkable properties, copper is essential for powering the next generation of clean energy systems and electric vehicles, helping to shape a greener future for all.
Jubilee Metals Group plc (LON:JLP) is a diversified metal recovery business with a world-class portfolio of projects in South Africa and Zambia. The Company’s expanding multi-project portfolio across South Africa and Zambia provides exposure to a broad commodity basket including Platinum Group Metals, chrome, lead, zinc, vanadium, copper and cobalt.
