Anuario Brasileiro do Cobre | Brazilian Copper Yearbook 2020

Anuário Brasileiro do Cobre Brazilian Copper Yearbook 2020 49 Water crisis should drive the global demand for copper The current demand of 39,000 tons of copper in water systems is set to grow at an astonishing rate, driven largely by the improvement of efficiency measures and the replacement of ageing water infrastructure. I t is not news that water scarcity is a reality ever closer to the society. After years of insouciance with the environment, the future of the planet is marked by global warming and, with it, problems related to water and food supply could become a reality. A new research commissioned by the International Copper Association - ICA, identifies that the global water crisis will increase the copper demand. The BSRIA WMI, strategic market intelligence company responsible for the research, predicts an increase in the use of copper in water utilities, that could grow to 260,000 tons per year by 2027. The growing population and the industrialization of the world’s developing economies has lead to a pressure to meet global water needs. According to BSRIA WMI Director, Krystyna Dawson, this has brought water management processes and efficiency to be tested. Since copper is an essential material for cutting- edge technologies for management and control of water distribution and supply systems, its application should increase significantly. ‘We can see from the research that copper will play a huge role as we strive to combat growing water scarcity. It is a key enabler in the transition to a more efficient water and waste water treatment process,’ notes Colin Bennett, Global Manager, Market and Outreach Analyst of ICA. Reasons for the growing demand for copper - Copper is already an important element to the water utility segment. Seventy-eight percent of it resides in pump motors, while the remainder is contained in electrical wiring, heat exchangers, combined heat and electricity production units and other ancillary electrical equipment. The current demand of 39,000 tons is set to grow at an astonishing rate, driven largely by the improvement of efficiency measures and the replacement of ageing water infrastructure. The need for more efficient engines and heat exchangers in cogeneration will be the main reason for the usage increase. According to preliminary research results, 200,000 tons of copper will be needed to satisfy the demand for engines in 2027. The main catalyst for growth will be China, due to its urbanization and industrialization. Considered the biggest market in 2019, overtaking the US, China will have a 35% increase in copper demand between 2017 and 2027. The demand for copper will also grow in emerging markets. The Arabian Peninsula, for example, has the largest desalination capacity in the world, and Kazakhstan has aged infrastructure and plans to progress with desalination. Copper demand in these regions is expected to grow by 25% and 17% respectively, according to a study forecast. ‘The research showcases copper’s important role in meeting one of the world’s most prominent challenges, and how this will positively impact the use of this metal’, says Krystyna.