Technology

Copper Crisis Threatens Green Initiatives

Published

2 years ago

June 25, 2024

Could Bimetallic ‘Supermetals’ Provide a Solution?

by Craig York, Copperweld CEO

BRENTWOOD, Tenn., June 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The copper industry is driven by a complex system of supply-and-demand cycles. One cycle of particular concern, given the growing interest in decarbonization technologies, involves the relationship between global copper supply and green initiative copper demand. This co-dependency presents a zero-sum scenario where copper supply deficits threaten green initiatives, and green initiatives intensify the copper supply crisis. To avoid a stalemate, the future of green programs may depend on solutions that offer a more efficient and sustainable use of copper.

Copper Supply Shortfall

Copper prices recently reached record highs, crossing the $5/lb threshold for the first time.1 Analysts attribute much of this price explosion to soaring copper demand, mainly due to the large role copper plays in renewable energy, decarbonization efforts, and power grid investments.2

Over time, if increased copper demand is continually met with reduced supply, shortfalls are soon to follow. In 2022, copper production was about 22 million metric tons (MMT), while demand was about 26 MMT; recycled copper scrambled to make up the difference.2 Some analysts estimate the growing supply-demand gap will result in an annual copper supply shortfall of 8 million tons by 2034 — an outcome that would pose a significant hurdle for the future of green energy projects.3

How Does the Copper Shortage Threaten Green Goals?

It is estimated that the technology used in green initiatives could eliminate 2/3 of global greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. However, meeting net-zero carbon emission targets would require doubling annual copper demand to 50 MMT. With copper suppliers already struggling to increase output, that’s unlikely to happen.3

Richard Adkerson, former CEO of U.S. mining group, Freeport-McMoRan, predicts that surging copper demand will cause a supply shortfall as society rapidly adopts electric cars, renewable electricity, and power grid expansions.4

Wire and cable products are of particular interest in the usage of copper for green programs. Overall, wire and cable use related to the green energy transition could grow from 0.8 million MMT to 6.7 MMT between 2020 and 2040.3

While copper demand in conventional applications will increase only 0.5% by 2040, there will be significant increases in copper usage in some green energy sectors. This includes an 11% increase in demand from electric vehicles (EVs) and chargers, a 19% increase from grid expansion, and a 7% increase from renewable energy technologies during this time frame.3

As our society moves forward with green energy initiatives, we must conserve and reallocate copper resources. The solution is found in copper supply management through copper-alternative products in high-usage markets.

‘Supermetals’ — Bimetallic Wire Conserves Copper and Offers Enhanced Performance

A bimetallic wire is an engineered electrical conductor that is composed of two separate metals metallurgically bonded together, combining the distinct characteristics of the two metals into one ‘Supermetal’.

Copper is limited in its engineering options. To increase strength, you must use more copper. With a bimetallic wire, an engineered core of steel or aluminum can be used to provide benefits like increased strength or improved energy efficiency while conserving copper at the same time.

Unlike alloys which are a blend of metals throughout, bimetallic wire often consists of a corrosion-resistant periphery of copper with an inner core of metal chosen for its specific performance characteristics. This construction opens a wide range of engineering possibilities for leveraging the core of the wire to create an electrical conductor that goes beyond copper’s capabilities alone.

Two popular bimetallic ‘Supermetals’ have forged a significant presence in the power grid and construction markets:

Copper-Clad Steel (CCS) grounding, power, and signal conductors have been used in substations, power distribution, underground utilities, mining, and transportation applications for nearly a century.Copper-Clad Aluminum (CCA) is a bimetallic conductor that has been widely used in telecommunication, data, and building construction applications for over 50 years.

Bimetallic ‘Supermetal’ Benefits:

Reduced Copper Consumption – Bimetallic conductors optimize the use of valuable copper, in some cases using only 1/6 the copper found in solid copper wire.Improved Energy Efficiency – CCA building wire has 2.7% lower impedance, translating into energy savings and less strain on the power grid.5Enhanced Strength – CCS conductors provide up to three times more tensile strength than solid copper, allowing CCS wires to be used in power grid and utility applications where demanding conditions often lead to broken wire or loose connections that can cause power outages and safety hazards.6 Extended Service Life – CCS conductors have up to five times more flex-fatigue endurance, allowing wires to withstand the bending, jerking, and vibration experienced in applications that encounter repeated stress and impact.7 Improved Connections – CCS wire’s corrosion-resistant copper exterior and annealed steel core allow utility workers to ‘bite down’ on grounding wires, making solid connections that remain secure through decades of abuse.Reduced Incentives for Theft – As the price of copper reaches all-time highs, copper theft is an increasing issue. Bimetallic wires have conveniently low street value, making them less attractive to copper thieves.Improved Cost Stability – With lower copper content, bimetallic wires reduce exposure to volatile price fluctuations experienced with solid copper wires.

Of bimetallic wire’s many advantages, two benefits represent the potential for significant impact on decarbonization and green initiative efforts:

1) Bimetals Conserve Copper

Focusing on industries that use large amounts of copper is key to copper conservation efforts.

As the largest consumer of copper resources, the construction industry accounts for almost half (45%) of the nation’s copper supply. And, within the construction industry, building wire alone uses 20% of the total U.S. copper supply.8

Fortunately, the building construction industry already has an alternative to single-metal copper wire: Copper-Clad Aluminum (CCA). CCA building wire uses 1/6 the amount of copper when upsized two AWG sizes compared to copper conductors, as is required by the National Electric Code (NEC) for most electrical circuits. This upsizing allows CCA to provide comparable electrical performance to equivalently rated copper conductors.

Utilizing CCA instead of single-metal copper for building wire applications could have potentially saved the U.S. nearly 700 million pounds of copper in 2022! That’s equivalent to the copper required for 3.8 million EVs, enough solar farm capacity to power 13.3 million homes (77,000 MW), or 175 wind farms (approximately 175,00 wind turbines with 1.5-MW capacity). Using this 2022 potential saving model, CCA building wire would conserve 3.2 billion metric tons (7 billion pounds) of copper resources over the next decade, not even accounting for market growth.9, 10

2) Bimetals Provide Energy Savings

Whether electricity is generated by traditional energy sources or by green technologies, the efficient use of energy impacts power grid infrastructure. The more energy we require, the more electricity we must produce. The more electricity we must produce, the more power grid infrastructure we must build. Therefore, reducing the amount of electricity needed reduces strain on the power grid.

One way to more smartly use energy within a power grid network happens at the building level. CCA conductors are the most electrically efficient of the three building wire conductor materials permitted by the NEC when installed per code. Recent testing verifies that CCA conductors are 2.7% more energy efficient than copper conductors and 7% more efficient than aluminum conductors when installed per the NEC. This translates into significant kilowatt hour (kWh) energy savings in the nation’s power grid.11

In 2022, total U.S. electricity consumption was about 4.05 trillion kWh. Of that, 1.42 trillion kWh (38.9%) went to the residential sector.12 If CCA building wire’s electrical efficiency was applied to residential use alone, it would render 38.3 billion kWh of energy savings for the power grid. That’s enough annual electricity to power approximately 3.5 million homes or a residential population the size of the city of Chicago.13, 14

Efficient energy usage not only reduces strain on the power grid, it translates into dollars-and-cents savings for homeowners.

The average annual electricity consumed by a U.S. household in 2022 was 10,791 kWh (899 kWh per month).15 The resulting average annual U.S. household electric bill was $1,644 ($137 per month).16

Considering this data, if CCA’s electrical efficiencies were applied to 131.2 million U.S. households, the annual electric bill savings would translate to $5.8 billion for the replacement of copper alone.17 Savings projections are amplified once commercial and industrial buildings are included. In these applications, the replacement of aluminum wire with CCA in large circuits represents the potential for substantial energy cost savings.

Conclusion

Solid-copper wire has been the default material for electrical circuits for over a century, so presenting change of any kind is viewed as a threat. But, bimetals don’t threaten the copper industry; they sustain it. Bimetals allow copper to do what it does best. With copper supply deficits threatening decarbonization and green energy goals, finding safe and effective alternatives to copper is critical.

Bimetallic wire reduces the use of copper in many electrical applications, reserving copper for the periphery of the conductor, where electrical connections are made. Using a copper-alternative metal for the core of the wire, conductors can be engineered in numerous ways to provide highly specialized performance. The copper saved in the core of a wire can then be redirected to green technology investments.

From copper conservation to energy savings to enhanced performance, bimetallic ‘Supermetals’ put copper where it counts so that society can put copper where it’s needed most.

Want to learn more about Copperweld’s copper-saving, performance-enhancing bimetallic products? Contact Copperweld Sales today.

Read the full article here.

About Copperweld

Copperweld is the world leader in bimetallic wire and cable specializing in power, grounding, and signal conductors for building construction, power grid, utilities, communications, and transportation. For over 100 years, their mission has been to make the most reliable, sustainable, and innovative wire and cable products on the market. Copperweld’s metallurgical expertise and engineered solutions result in bimetallic products that enhance performance, extend service life, conserve copper, improve energy efficiency, and reduce incentives for theft. Their American-made products are manufactured in the heart of the USA, and the culture of excellence and innovation that inspired them over a century ago still drives them today.

Sources:

https://www.macrotrends.net/1476/copper-prices-historical-chart-data https://www.morningstar.co.uk/uk/news/248802/is-copper-entering-a-new-supercycle.aspx https://carboncredits.com/copper-and-the-need-to-meet-the-worlds-rewiring-demand-for-energy-transition/https://www.ft.com/content/d281665f-0444-4cd8-b616-5f5ddf2ab8a6 https://www.americanbimetallic.org/post/important-differences-between-cca-and-aluminum www.copperweld.com/blog/engineered-conductors www.copperweld.com/blog/is-ccs-really-stronger-than-copper https://www.statista.com/statistics/254870/use-of-copper-and-copper-alloys-in-the-us-by-purpose/https://www.copper.org/publications/pub_list/pdf/A6191-ElectricVehicles-Factsheet.pdf https://www.copper.org/education/c-facts/home/https://www.americanbimetallic.org/post/important-differences-between-cca-and-aluminum https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/electricity/use-of-electricity.php https://www.statista.com/statistics/205589/top-20-cities-in-the-us-with-the-highest-resident-population/https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/chicagocityillinois,US/PST045222 https://www.eia.gov/tools/faqs/faq.php https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php https://www.statista.com/statistics/183635/number-of-households-in-the-us/

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SOURCE Copperweld

Technology

From Turbine Supply to Ecosystem Building: Goldwind Outlines APAC Strategy at the APAC Wind Energy Summit

Published

6 minutes ago

June 16, 2026

HANOI, Vietnam, June 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Speaking at the GWEC APAC Wind Energy Summit in Hanoi, Goldwind, a reliable global strategic partner in clean energy, reaffirmed its deep commitment to the Asia-Pacific region. Operating in 10 countries across APAC, Goldwind is driving the region’s energy transition through deep localization, ecosystem collaboration, and tailored clean energy solutions.

Drawing on two decades of international experience, Goldwind articulated a clear evolution at the summit: true globalization is not just about “going global” — it is about “landing well.” This strategic shift from pure market expansion to ecosystem building has already delivered tangible results. Goldwind’s cumulative installed capacity now exceeds 165 GW across 49 countries.

Across Asia Pacific, Goldwind delivers diversified, tangible impact: grid-forming storage in Australia, talent cultivation, localized supply chain and rapid delivery in Vietnam, typhoon-resilient designs in the Philippines, and hybrid towers that boost output in Thailand.

Dong Yinming, CEO of Goldwind Asia, emphasized in his keynote address at the summit:

“In Asia, our commitment goes beyond delivering turbines — we strive to be a locally-rooted system partner, supporting projects across the full lifecycle to create long-term value. Empowering local projects with global expertise and deeply cultivating the Asia-Pacific market — that is what true ‘landing well’ means for a greener, more prosperous region.”

Wu Kai, Vice President of Goldwind, added:

“Scaling wind power in Asia requires more than just installing additional turbines. It demands innovative solutions tailored to the region’s unique complexity. Closing the gap between ambition and implementation in Asia’s wind sector takes more than any single company. Let’s share what works, learn from each other, and co-create solutions that deliver lasting value — for the industry, for communities, and for the future.”

Looking ahead, Goldwind aims to deepen its local roots across every market it serves, empowering Asia’s energy transition with global expertise and local adaptation. As the region accelerates toward a green future, Goldwind remains committed to being a trusted, long-term partner — rooted in APAC, thriving together.

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SOURCE Goldwind

Technology

Bambu Lab Launches PLA Pure: A Filament Made for Printing Where You Live

Published

6 minutes ago

June 16, 2026

AUSTIN, Texas, June 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As desktop 3D printers become a fixture in homes around the world, Bambu Lab – one of the fastest-growing companies in the consumer 3D printing space – is raising the bar on what a home printing filament should be. Today, Bambu Lab announced the launch of PLA Pure, a filament engineered for cleaner, safer home 3D printing, with every ingredient certified compliant with EU 10/2011, the European regulation governing plastics intended for food contact.

Five Ingredients. Each One Earned Its Place.

PLA Pure draws on materials you encounter in everyday life:

Polylactic acid (PLA) – derived from corn and sugarcane.Acrylic copolymer – commonly found in children’s toys.Color pigments – also used in baby tableware.EBS (ethylene bis-stearamide) – familiar from food packaging films.Talc – used in products such as biodegradable drinking straws; independently tested by a third party and verified asbestos-free.

Every ingredient appears on the EU 10/2011 positive list with a traceable FCM (Food Contact Material) substance number. Raw materials are supplied by global manufacturers including TotalEnergies Corbion, Dow, Chemours, and BASF, making compliance and traceability straightforward.

Most filaments marketed as food-contact compliant are tested only as finished products. PLA Pure is verified ingredient by ingredient, from the base material to the pigments.

Cleaner Air at Your Desk

Since printing often happens in living spaces, emissions matter. PLA Pure carries UL 2904 GREENGUARD certification*, the recognized standard for 3D printer emissions that measures particulate matter and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) for indoor air quality impact.

Particle and VOC levels during printing fall below what’s typically present in an average kitchen, living room, or office.In a four-hour continuous printing test conducted by an accredited laboratory, PLA Pure produced lower PM2.5 and PM10 emissions than a comparable filament under identical conditions.Proper ventilation is still recommended to minimize inhalation of any printing byproducts.

Bambu Lab’s PLA Basic also holds indoor air quality certification under the same standard, but PLA Pure’s cleaner ingredient profile yields even lower emission levels-particularly relevant when printing near children, pets, or in shared living spaces.

*Testing was conducted on Bambu Lab A1 and A2L printers, both open-deck models without enclosure or filtration. This setup represents the baseline emission scenario, where filament emissions are measured directly without any additional containment.

Safety Is One Thing. Reliability Is Another.

Most filaments rely on impact modifiers and flow agents to achieve consistent print results. PLA Pure takes a different approach: to keep the formula to five food-safe ingredients, Bambu Lab rebuilt the formulation from scratch—iterating until the chemistry alone could deliver what additives typically do. The result is less residue, reduced nozzle buildup, and more consistent extrusion spool after spool.

Less stringing — even without prior drying, PLA Pure produces noticeably fewer strings than typical third-party filaments.Cleaner surfaces — finished parts require less post-processing.Strength intact — PLA Pure matches PLA Basic in mechanical performance, with layer adhesion comparable to most PLA materials on the market.

All printing parameters are stored in the RFID tag and automatically read by the AMS system. Load the spool, let the material synchronize itself, and start printing. No guesswork required.

Toy Safety

The material has also passed EN 71-3 certification, the European safety standard that governs the migration of certain elements from toy materials. The standard’s main concern is whether potentially harmful elements-such as lead, cadmium, chromium, and other heavy metals-can leach out of a material when a child handles, mouths, or swallows it. It also sets strict limits on the permissible migration of each.

Passing this test makes the material suitable for models meant to be handled and played with: a toy kitchen plate, a small car, a cat toy.

As with any 3D-printed toy, common sense still applies. Small parts and support structures can pose a choking hazard, edges may be sharp, and the material is combustible. Models should be selected appropriately, and children should be supervised during play.

A Note on Application

These certifications apply to the filament itself and its ingredients. Whether a specific printed object is suitable for a particular application depends on factors such as equipment hygiene (especially nozzle cleanliness), printing conditions, and how the object is ultimately used. Because of the layered structure of FFF prints, they are not suitable for liquid foods, and PLA itself should not be exposed to temperatures above 60°C (like putting 3D prints into dishwashers). Bambu Lab recommends that users consider these factors when selecting a material for a specific application. PLA Pure provides a fully documented ingredient profile-the rest of the decisions are yours to make with confidence.

Availability

PLA Pure is available now at Bambu Lab Official Store

Price: USD 24.99 (With Spool)/ USD 21.99 (Refill)

Additional details regarding availability, colors, and variants will be announced separately.

About Bambu Lab

Bambu Lab is a consumer-tech company focusing on desktop 3D printers. Its state-of-the-art 3D printers offer a feature-rich, first-class experience for a global community of 3D printing makers, aiming to break the barriers between the digital and physical worlds and bring creativity to a whole new level. Bambu Lab sells its 3D printers, filaments, and accessories on its official website, serving customers across 30+ countries.

Learn more at https://www.bambulab.com.

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SOURCE Bambu Lab

Technology

UROVO DT610 Pro: The Rugged AI Terminal Redefining Frontline Productivity

Published

6 minutes ago

June 16, 2026

SINGAPORE, June 15, 2026 /CNW/ — UROVO, a global leader in enterprise mobility solutions, unveiled the DT610 Pro, a next-generation ultra-rugged intelligent terminal purpose-built to empower frontline operations across industries. Designed to withstand the toughest environments, DT610 Pro combines enterprise-grade durability with cutting-edge AI capabilities to redefine workforce productivity.

In today’s fast-paced digital economy, frontline workers face increasing operational pressure. Field engineers must diagnose equipment failures on the spot, delivery drivers operate in extreme weather, and warehouse staff respond to sudden surges in order volume. Any device failure can disrupt critical workflows, making reliability and performance essential.

The DT610 Pro is purpose-built for frontline operations. Powered by the Qualcomm Q-6690 4nm platform with a dedicated 6 TOPS AI engine, it enables real-time OCR, intelligent data capture, and voice-assisted workflows directly on the device–without cloud dependency. This delivers faster response times, lower latency, and reliable performance for demanding enterprise workloads, while long-term platform support through 2034 helps maximize device lifecycle value.

Enterprise-grade ruggedness sets DT610 Pro apart from consumer devices. Rated IP68, and capable of surviving 1.8-meter drops while operating reliably from -20°C to 60°C, it minimizes downtime and reduces total cost of ownership.

Frontline workers benefit from a hot-swappable battery for uninterrupted full-shift operation and a sunlight-readable display built for demanding environments. Combining FlexRange barcode scanning (5 cm–10 m), high-performance RFID reading, and a 3-sided NFC design, the DT610 Pro delivers an all-in-one data capture platform for frontline operations. Workers can efficiently scan barcodes, track assets, verify IDs, card emulation, and enable contactless payments from virtually any angle. A 50MP autofocus camera with AI-powered OCR further streamlines delivery verification, document digitization, and field data collection, helping businesses boost productivity and operational efficiency.

Connectivity is critical for uninterrupted workflows. In warehouses, DT610 Pro’s Wi-Fi 7 with 2×2 MU-MIMO delivers wired-like speeds in high-density environments, while Multi-Link Operation (MLO) keeps connections stable with instant failover, lower latency, and rock-solid reliability. For field operations, 5G connectivity ensures instant work order updates, image capture, and data synchronization wherever work happens.

“Frontline operations don’t wait–and neither should the technology that supports them,” said Zhang Bo, CTO at UROVO. “DT610 Pro is not just a device; it’s a long-term investment in operational efficiency, workforce productivity, and business continuity.”

The DT610 Pro represents the next evolution in intelligent rugged devices, delivering performance, reliability, and future-ready AI capabilities for every shift, every environment, and every mission.

About Urovo
Founded in 2002, UROVO is the world’s leading industry application enabler, specializing in AI, Mobility, Barcode and RFID Technologies, Printers, and Payment Terminals. Committed to technological advancement, we provide cutting-edge digital solutions that drive smart transformation for clients across industries such as logistics, retail, finance, healthcare, manufacturing, government, and transportation.

By integrating pioneering innovations into business processes, we enable our clients to meet their strategic goals with unmatched efficiency and precision, fostering sustainable growth.

Website: https://en.urovo.com/

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SOURCE UROVO