Visualized: How Much Metal is Used in Clean Energy Technology?
October 24, 2023

By | Graphics/Design: Pernia Jamshed

How Much Metal is Used in Clean Energy?


In 2022, a record 12% of all global power was harnessed from solar and wind, up from 10% in 2021, underscoring the growth of clean energy sources.


Essential minerals that form the foundation of clean energy technologies are at the heart of this transition. But what makes these minerals so indispensable?


This infographic, sponsored by Teck, looks at how much, and what types of metals are used in clean energy.


Clean Energy Uses More Metal


Clean energy systems, on average, require more minerals to build. Let’s take a look at the amount needed for wind and solar applications.

Offshore wind Onshore wind Solar PV
Copper 8,000 kg/MW 2,900 kg/MW 2,822 kg/MW
Zinc 5,500 kg/MW 5,500 kg/MW 30 kg/MW
Manganese 790 kg/MW 780 kg/MW -
Chromium 525 kg/MW 470 kg/MW -
Nickel 240 kg/MW 404 kg/MW 1 kg/MW
Rare Earths 239 kg/MW 14 kg/MW -
Molybdenum 109 kg/MW 99 kg/MW -
Silicon - - 3,948 kg/MW
Others 6 kg/MW - 32 kg/MW

Offshore wind uses the largest amount of metals here, with its copper demand alone reaching around 8,000 kilograms per megawatt of energy.


A Closer Look at Copper


Copper is the world’s third most used industrial metal and is essential for clean energy technologies due to its outstanding conductivity, versatility, and superior heat dissipation capabilities compared to other metals. 


Copper’s sustainability credentials are also firmly established. This is due to its recyclability rate of 100%, meaning it can be reused multiple times without any decline in performance. 


Growing clean energy infrastructure will place even more significant demands on copper. A wind farm can contain between 4 million and 15 million pounds of copper.


A Closer Look at Zinc


Zinc is renowned as one of the most versatile and vital elements in human applications. It stands as the fourth most used metal worldwide, following iron, aluminum, and copper. 


Its primary application is in the galvanization process, where it acts as a protective layer for iron and steel against corrosion.

Zinc coatings play a crucial role in public transportation and infrastructure by extending the life of steel used in bridge rails, support structures, railway tracks, and more.


The construction of solar panels and wind turbines has resulted in additional demand for zinc because these assets are always exposed to the elements. 


A 100MWh solar panel park—capable of powering 110,000 homes—needs 240 tonnes of zinc.


Metals for the Future


As the world moves towards renewable energy sources, copper, and zinc will remain in high demand.


Teck, being one of the world’s largest producers of copper and zinc, is dedicated to providing the metals essential for a low-carbon future.


Copyright © 2023 Visual Capitalist

VVC Appoints New President & Grants Options

March 18, 2025
TORONTO, March 18, 2025 - VVC Exploration Corporation, dba VVC Resources, (“VVC”), (TSX-V:VVC and OTCQC:VVCVF) announces the following: Appointment of Officers The Directors appointed Mr. Bill Kerrigan as President and Chief Operating Officer of VVC. Mr. Kerrigan will continue to be President of Plateau Helium Corporation. Mr. James A. Culver will remain as CEO of VVC. VVC Chairman, Terrence Martell, commented, "As a representative of Management and the Board, I extend heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Culver for his years of service as President. I also welcome Mr. Kerrigan to his new role as President and I am confident that he will provide positive momentum for VVC." Option Grant The Directors also granted incentive stock options under its stock option plan, to officers, directors and consultants of the Company, to purchase up to an aggregate of 15,700,000 common shares, representing 2.74% of the outstanding shares of the Company. The stock options are exercisable at a price of CA$0.05 per share expiring March 17, 2035. 25% of the options granted will vest immediately with the remaining vesting at 25% every six months. The exercise price was fixed at the minimum allowable price by the TSX Venture Exchange policies. The options, granted in accordance with the provisions of the Company's stock option plan, are subject to the TSX Venture Exchange policies and the applicable securities laws. Of the Options granted, 41.1% were to Directors, 30.3% to Officers and 28.7% to Employees/Consultants of the Company. About VVC Resources VVC engages in the exploration, development, and management of natural resources - specializing in scarce and increasingly valuable materials needed to meet the growing, high-tech demands of industries such as manufacturing, technology, medicine, space travel, and the expanding green economy. Our portfolio includes a diverse set of multi-asset, high-growth projects, comprising: Helium & industrial gas production in western U.S.; Copper & associated metals operations in northern Mexico; and Strategic investments in carbon sequestration and other green energy technologies. VVC is a Canada-based, publicly-traded company on the TSXV (TSX-V:VVC). To learn more, visit our website at: www.vvcresources.com. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Results of VVC Annual Shareholders’ Meeting

December 5, 2024
The Company’s Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (“AGM”) took place virtually yesterday with 34 attendees (shareholders and guests). Total attendance in person and by proxy was 137 shareholders representing about 51.4% of the outstanding shares. At the AGM, shareholders approved the election of all Directors proposed by Management with over 90% of the tendered votes being in favor, and the re-appointment of MNP LLP as auditors of the Company with all of the tendered votes being in favor.
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