Copper’s Role in India’s Renewable Energy Push
For every tonne of copper used in renewable energy systems, carbon emissions are reduced by between 100 and 7,500 tonnes over the system’s lifecycle, according to the International Copper Association (ICA). As India transitions to renewable energy, copper has emerged as a key material in the generation, transmission, and storage of clean energy, thanks to its superior electrical and thermal conductivity.
India has set ambitious targets to green its energy mix, aiming for 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based electricity by 2030 and potentially 1 TW by 2035. By 2024, the country had already achieved 200 GW of non-fossil capacity. This shift is driven by both environmental and economic factors, including reducing reliance on imported oil and coal and mitigating the impact of climate change.
Copper plays a critical role in renewable energy technologies, such as solar and wind systems, which require up to five times more copper than traditional power generation methods. A 3 MW wind turbine contains up to 4.7 tonnes of copper, while solar power systems use approximately 5.5 tonnes of copper per MW. The metal is crucial for wiring, cabling, and heat exchangers in these systems, ensuring efficient energy transmission and high reliability.
The demand for refined copper in India is expected to grow by 11% annually in FY2025, driven by infrastructure development and renewable energy expansion, according to a report by ICRA. The Ministries of Mines and New and Renewable Energy are focused on securing the copper supply necessary for these energy goals, which includes increasing domestic production, enhancing recycling, and establishing supply agreements with trusted partners.
Copper’s recyclability without loss of performance further enhances its role as a sustainable choice for green energy initiatives, aiding India in its energy transition efforts.
