Data Center World 2025

As data centers grow in power demands for AI, copper materials are also growing in demand, and not just for data centers. Electrification demand drivers also include EVs, alternative energies, and grid improvements. Each of these markets depend on the superior conductivity and power density that copper provides, requiring on average, copper intensity in tonnes/MW. For instance, offshore wind, solar, and storage applications use about 10, 5, and 2 tonnes/MW of copper, respectively. But the CDA's recent study on data centers in the U.S. reveals 27 tonnes/MW, the largest copper intensity across all applications! Copper is no longer used for long distance data transmission, as much of this now is fiber. But copper is needed to efficiently distribute and control the incoming power across all the demand areas, including computers, fans and pumps, and HVAC systems. And, as data centers grow into hundreds of megawatts, thousands of tonnes of copper are required. But, as forecasts suggest copper volumes will double in nearly ten years, where will it all come from? Global copper production and recycling will be presented, along with deeper analysis across the supply chain options for the U.S., including opportunities and risks.

Takeaway

• Copper is a valuable material that data centers rely upon to operate efficiently, conducting its power across facilities with minimal energy losses
• Copper is the metal of electrification, used across many growth drivers, doubling demand volumes in nearly 10 years
• Copper intensity of data centers is the largest of known applications at 27 tonnes/MW of applied power, requiring thousands of tonnes of copper for enterprise applications
• U.S. is the 5th largest copper producing country, and more domestic mining, recycling, and ongoing imports will be needed to meet demands while minimizing risks