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In 2022, 12% of the world’s energy was generated from solar and wind sources, up from 10% in 2021, demonstrating the growing reliance on clean energy sources. Essential minerals, which form the backbone of clean energy infrastructure, are central to this shift. But what makes these minerals so essential?
The following table shows the metals used and their percentage share of the total metals in each clean energy technology. As observed, copper has the highest share in both wind and solar technologies, particularly in solar panels, where it holds the largest percentage.
Based on the table, offshore wind technology is the largest consumer of metals, with its copper requirement alone reaching about 8,000 kilograms per megawatt of energy.
To estimate the cost of metals used in clean energy technologies, we consider current metal prices. Prices may vary, but approximate costs are used for this estimation. The percentage costs clearly indicate the importance of each metal in producing and installing clean energy technologies, helping us better understand the metal requirements in this field.
– Copper: approximately $9,000 per ton
– Zinc: approximately $2,500 per ton
– Manganese: approximately $3,500 per ton
– Chromium: approximately $7,500 per ton
– Nickel: approximately $20,000 per ton
– Rare Earths: approximately $60,000 per ton
– Molybdenum: approximately $30,000 per ton
– Silicon: approximately $2,000 per ton
As seen in the following, copper holds the highest cost share in both wind and solar technologies, especially in solar panels, where it dominates the cost percentage.
Copper is the third most used industrial metal in the world. Due to its superior electrical conductivity, versatility, and excellent heat dissipation capabilities, it is essential for clean energy technologies. With a 100% recycling rate, copper can be recycled repeatedly without losing performance. Building clean energy infrastructure will demand more copper, with a wind farm potentially consuming between 4 to 15 million pounds of copper.
Zinc is recognized as one of the multifunctional and critical elements in human applications. It is the fourth most consumed metal globally, following iron, aluminum, and copper. Its primary use is in the galvanization process, where it acts as a protective layer for iron and steel against corrosion. Zinc coatings play a crucial role in public transport and infrastructure, extending the life of steel used in bridges, support structures, railway lines, and more. Building solar panels and wind turbines has increased demand for zinc, as these modules are constantly exposed to atmospheric elements. A 100 MWh solar park (capable of powering 110,000 homes) requires 240 tons of zinc.
Overall, clean energy technologies demand more metals, especially those like copper and zinc, used in wind turbines and solar panels. In contrast, non-renewable power plants typically use fewer metals but may require other materials for energy production and maintenance. However, the growing trend toward renewable energy indicates the increasing importance of these metals in the future of global energy.
The beginning of our activity goes back to 2012, since that time, with the expertise in the design, construction and installation of solar power plants, we wanted a superior position in this field.
The experienced and international team of the Nobana Parsian company, with a unique history in the renewable energy industry and with the aim of sustainable development of clean energy, is proud to have established its offices in Iran, Australia and the UAE.
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