China's energy-efficient motor promotion initiatives will significantly increase copper demand
Supported by the International Copper Association, the latest research completed by MetalsPlus shows that by 2022, the global demand for copper generated by motors and generators is expected to increase to 2.73 million tons per year, and China will play an important role. The total amount of copper used in motors in the Chinese market currently accounts for about half of the global market, and the government has enacted a series of laws and regulations to greatly improve the energy efficiency standards of motors - such as the implementation of IE3 standards (corresponding to national secondary energy efficiency standards) - these measures must Will bring more copper demand.
Paul Dewison, managing director of MetalsPlus and author of the study, believes that the transition to a low-carbon economy is affecting the changing trend of motor design. He said: "The motor is currently the most power-consuming part, consuming 38% of the total power generation. The increase in energy efficiency of the motor means that the power consumption is reduced, and the corresponding reduction in fossil energy consumption for power generation. To promote the transformation of a low-carbon economy. As copper is a key material for improving the energy efficiency of electric motors, its demand will also increase significantly."
Colin Bennett, Global Market Analysis and Promotion Manager, International Copper Association, said: "This study highlights the important role of copper in energy transformation. In China's huge market, from heavy industry and utility motors to small motor applications such as automobiles and household appliances. Many areas have broad opportunities for energy efficiency improvement. Copper can help this transformation and contribute to the transformation of a low-carbon economy."
Copper has been widely used in the motor and generator market. In 2017, copper demand in this market reached 2.13 million tons. Among them, industrial motors have the highest market share - up to 28%, followed by household appliances (19%) and air conditioning refrigeration equipment (17%).
At present, there is a 45% energy technology loss rate between energy input and effective application in the motor drive system. Although most of these losses are caused by motor-driven equipment, not the motor itself, how to improve the energy efficiency of the motor is still the focus of the industry. Copper materials can reduce losses by optimizing existing designs, developing rare earth permanent magnet solutions, and other non-permanent magnet solutions. Therefore, the International Copper Association expects copper demand to increase in the near future. The rise of electric vehicles will further expand the automotive industry's demand for motors and generators, and will increase copper demand.
