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KME Copper versus Climate Change

KME is collaborating very closely with the copper processing industry on technological measures for the reduction of CO2 emissions. Highly developed products that have been realized by innovative use of copper and copper alloys are already ubiquitous, from small electric appliances up to sophisticated energy systems. These materials, specifically optimized for individual applications, ensure highest efficiency, significant savings of primary energy and an unmatched potential for sustainable reactions against global warming, mainly due to their outstanding electrical and thermal conductivity.

 

Climate protection always starts in one’s own backyard. KME in unison with the European copper industry began from very early on to develop strategies for sustainable carbon footprint optimization. Energy consumption in copper processing has been reduced since 1990 by about 60% Europe-wide, resulting in very positive effects on emission values. At present, all CO2 emissions attributable to Europe’s copper processing industry amount to just 0.1% of total EU CO2 emissions. Even higher ecological impacts will be realized with new strategies to significantly reduce global CO2 emissions by optimizing copper applications in industrial sectors, private households and public services.

Application-specific solutions in copper and copper alloys are an ideal basis for the provision and successful use of modern technologies that help to optimize the global carbon footprint. KME supports all strategies that work in this direction through its basic Research and Development activities and highly developed engineering. In this way, KME is continuously contributing to advanced energy efficiency of our products, optimized use of renewable energies, and the promotion of electrification in the on-going departure from fossil fuels. In close coordination with component developers and manufacturers, the efficiency of electric motors, transformers, electric cables, solar and wind energy systems and many others are optimized as well as the energy footprint of industry processes and building energy management.

The consistent implementation of copper solutions to tap the potential for optimization can deliver 130 million tonnes of CO2 emission savings per year by 2020. By 2050 , total Europe-wide CO2 emissions will potentially be reduced by 25% – more than 1,100 million tonnes per year – relative to 2011 levels. KME is fully prepared with essential know-how to be an important player in these developments.
 

 

KME - Engineering Copper Solutions