Recycled Materials Can Fuel the Energy Transition
Researchers at Empa's Technology and Society laboratory have found that recycling copper and steel from fossil fuel infrastructure can significantly contribute to the energy transition. The study, published in Nature Communications, analyzed the stocks of 22 different materials contained in coal mines, oil and gas platforms, fossil fuel power plants, and pipelines.
The researchers identified two key raw materials: steel and copper. Both metals are present in large quantities in fossil fuel infrastructure and are urgently needed for renewable energy production. According to the study, recycling fossil fuel infrastructure could cover the entire steel demand and about one-third of the copper demand for the energy transition.
The primary extraction of these metals generates significant environmental damage and health problems, resulting in substantial externalized costs. However, recycling is a more environmentally friendly process that primarily requires electricity. The researchers estimate that repurposing existing steel and copper stocks could save between four and eleven trillion U.S. dollars in externalized costs by 2050.
The study suggests that recycled steel and copper can be used worldwide in solar panels, wind turbines, power lines, or electrolysers for hydrogen production. The researchers emphasize the importance of reusing embedded materials from fossil fuel infrastructure to support a cleaner energy transition.