Copper circular economy: Challenges of the energy and digital transition

Authors

  • Jorge Torrubia Energaia, Joint University Research Institute for Energy and Resource Efficiency of Aragón (Energaia), Spain. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9282-1428
  • Alicia Valero University of Zaragoza (Spain).

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7203/metode.15.27181

Keywords:

energy transition, circular economy, recycling, secondary resources, copper

Abstract

Copper is one of the key metals for the digital and energy transition, which will increase demand in the coming years. On the other hand, primary extraction poses increasing environmental problems due to the progressive decline in the mineral concentration of deposits (ore grade). In this context, electronic waste is becoming a very promising source of secondary copper. However, this form of copper recovery presents a number of technological and chemical challenges, including the use of renewable energy, the separation of plastics from waste and increasing process efficiency. Given the thermodynamic limitations of these processes, other non-technological aspects are very important in the transition.

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Author Biographies

Jorge Torrubia, Energaia, Joint University Research Institute for Energy and Resource Efficiency of Aragón (Energaia), Spain.

Graduate in Mechanical Engineering, with a Master’s Degree in Renewable Energies and Energy Efficiency. Researcher at Energaia, Joint University Research Institute for Energy and Resource Efficiency of Aragón (Energaia), Spain.

Alicia Valero, University of Zaragoza (Spain).

PhD in Chemical Engineering and Full Professor at the University of Zaragoza (Spain). Director of the Industrial Ecology Group of the Joint University Research Institute for Energy and Resource Efficiency of Aragón (Energaia).

References

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Published

2024-07-04

How to Cite

Torrubia, J., & Valero, A. (2024). Copper circular economy: Challenges of the energy and digital transition. Metode Science Studies Journal, (15). https://doi.org/10.7203/metode.15.27181
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Issue

No. 15: Volume 15 (Online first)

Section

Everything is chemistry: Challenges for a sustainable future

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