The Environment-friendly Metal

In times when environmental degradation is at its highest, and eco-friendly is the need, fad, and demand, this material named copper is a proponent of much wanted alleviation. Mined in Singhbhum, Betul, and Jhunjhunu in India; this pinkish-orange product of the earth is a nature-lover’s best friend.

Recyclability

It’s not that only copper is recyclable, all metals that we use can be recycled but which out of these are actually being returned into the loop depends upon the easy and affordable process of recycling and the usability of the recycled material. It’s the third most recycled metal after iron and aluminium. About 80 percent of copper ever mined is still in use today because its quality after recycling remains intact. The recycling process is even simpler than extraction- the scrap which has high purity is melted in a furnace and cast into ingots and copper wire, and that which is low in purity is recycled by electroplating with the help of sulfuric acid.

Efficiency

Energy demand is higher than ever and is expected to keep growing. Electricity consumption will grow at the rate of 1 percent per year until 2035. Renewable energy technologies, especially wind and solar, will be our best resorts to fulfil energy demands and save the environment. Copper is a critical part of renewable energy systems and equipment because of its conductivity and reliability. It’s the best thermal and electricity conductor by weight, outside precious metals.  Copper wire, tubes, cable, bearing, bushings, and many other mechanical and electrical parts keep the renewable energy systems operating at high efficiency. The same properties are essential in the collection, distribution, and storage of energy. Copper is versatile – in the form of copper wire, it’s ubiquitous!

·         Wind Energy

A 1.5 megawatt wind turbine needs about 3,628 kilograms of this metal in making generators, coil windings in rotors and stators, step-up transformers’ coil, in the form of copper wires for earthing, and cables. A typical wind farm may need 4 to 15 million pounds of copper, as per its design.

·         Solar Energy

The intensity with which it’s used in wind farms is almost the same for solar photovoltaic cells- about 4000 kg of copper is needed per megawatt. Photovoltaic cell ribbons need tinned copper wire. Tinned copper wire is more resistant to corrosion and is easier to solder.

·         Solar Heating

High conductivity, atmospheric and aqueous resistance, fabrication ease, mechanical strength, longevity, and resistance to rust makes it a great option in applications of solar heating.

·         Malleability, Ductility, and Strength

     The unique combination of all the above physical properties makes it the most preferred and safest option for manufacturing many electrical and mechanical devices.