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 Exploration Corporation Provides Regulatory Update and Clarifies a Previous Incorrect Statement about CYRB

May 21, 2026
TORONTO, May 21, 2026 - VVC Exploration Corporation, dba VVC Resources (“VVC” or the “Company”) (TSX-V: VVC and OTCQB: VVCVF) is providing an update to its previous news release dated May 16, 2026, regarding the status of its annual financial filings. The Ontario Securities Commission (the "OSC") has notified the Company that its application for a Management Cease Trade Order ("MCTO") has been rejected. In delivering its decision, the OSC noted that they are not of the view that there is an active, liquid market for the issuer’s securities, based on a review of the trade volume, trade value, and number of trades over the last month. Consequently, the OSC intends to issue a Failure-to-File Cease Trade Order ("FFCTO") against the Company shortly after the regulatory deadline if the continuous disclosure documents are not submitted. The Company's audited annual financial statements, management's discussion and analysis, and related officer certifications for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2026 (collectively, the "Required Filings") are due on June 1, 2026. Reason for Anticipated Delay The delay in completing VVC’s Required Filings is primarily attributable to the time required to complete the valuation and related accounting assessment of VVC’s equity investment in Cyber Apps Solutions Corp. (“CYRB”) and its operating subsidiary, Proton Green, LLC. The complexity of the valuation process and the resolution of related accounting matters delayed the commencement of VVC’s Required Filings. The Company also wishes to clarify that the references to executive management vacancies at CYRB included in the May 16, 2026 announcement were incorrect and have been retracted. Financing & Corporate Update In light of the operational adjustments required by the developments at CYRB, the Company also announces that it is actively pursuing capital-raising initiatives to protect working capital and fund ongoing operations, including its core helium and gold exploration assets. VVC is currently evaluating various financing options, which may include a proposed non-brokered private placement of securities. Any such financing remains subject to compliance with the strict terms of the proposed MCTO, which prohibits the issuance or acquisition of securities from any director, officer, or insider of VVC during the period of the default. Further details regarding the terms, pricing, and closing dates of any such financing will be announced if and when they are finalized. There can be no assurance that any financing will be completed on terms acceptable to the Company, or at all. Anticipated Completion and Impact of Order The Company and its independent third-party valuation specialist are working diligently to resolve the valuation framework with MNP LLP. VVC continues to target the completion and submission of the Required Filings on or before June 30, 2026. If an FFCTO is issued by the principal regulator, trading in the common shares of VVC will be suspended across all trading platforms in Canada, including the TSX Venture Exchange, until the Required Filings are completed and the order is formally revoked by the regulators. Insider Trading Restrictions The Company's internal insider trading blackout notice issued by the Corporate Secretary remains in full effect. All directors, officers, and insiders are strictly prohibited from trading in the Company's securities or exercising stock options until the default is fully remedied and the Required Filings are publicly available. 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.; Gold & 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.

VVC Grants Options

April 20, 2026
TORONTO, April 20, 2026 - VVC Exploration Corporation, dba VVC Resources, (“VVC”), (TSX-V:VVC and OTCQC:VVCVF) announces the following: Option Grant The Directors granted incentive stock options under its stock option plan, to officers, directors and consultants of the Company, to purchase up to an aggregate of 14,750,000 common shares, representing 2.58% of the outstanding shares of the Company. The stock options are exercisable at a price of CA$0.05 per share expiring April 20, 2036. Twenty five percent (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, 32.2% were to Directors, 37.3% to Officers, 18.6% to Employees and 11.9% to 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.; Gold & 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.
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