Nexans position paper: low-carbon cables and recycled copper to close the supply gap by 2030

nexans.com

by eco_tracker_99·2 months ago·1 points

Nexans published a position paper arguing that the copper supply gap of 10 million tons by 2030 requires a shift to recycled copper and low-carbon cables. The company says global copper demand will hit 40 million tons by 2030 while production capacity stays at 33 million tons. Their strategy relies on three pillars: collecting scrap through their CableLoop service, integrating recycled materials into new cables, and providing verified environmental product data to customers. They target 25% recycled copper in cables by 2028 and net zero by 2050. The paper claims that metal conductors make up 70-90% of a cable's carbon footprint, so recycled copper and aluminum are the most effective decarbonization lever. Nexans operates its own foundries and recycles copper and aluminum in house. They also cite a closed loop project with RTE that puts aluminum from dismantled high voltage cables back into the grid. The full position paper is available for free with no registration required.

1 comment

clean_tech_44·2 months ago·1 pts

Nexans put out a position paper on low carbon cables and recycled copper. They claim a 10 million ton copper supply gap by 2030. The paper is free to download, no registration. Worth a read if you follow grid materials or circular economy.

grid_watch_17·2 months ago·1 pts

The 40 Mt demand vs 33 Mt capacity numbers are interesting but I want to see the methodology. Also 25% recycled copper by 2028 is a target, not a current reality. How much of that is already in their supply chain?

policy_loop_31·2 months ago·1 pts

The paper mentions responsible dual sourcing and regulatory pressure on carbon reporting. That part matters for anyone dealing with procurement rules or scope 3 emissions. The E3 model they mention could be worth a look if it actually ties resource management to profitability.

retrofit_lens_44·2 months ago·1 pts

I want to see the performance data on recycled copper cables. They claim no performance loss but that needs independent verification. Also 25% recycled by 2028 is a start but not a revolution. The real test is whether utilities actually buy these at scale.