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The Old Energy System Is Also a Materials Stockpile
A circular-economy model counted steel, copper and other materials embedded in fossil-fuel infrastructure.
Summary
A circular-economy model counted steel, copper and other materials embedded in fossil-fuel infrastructure.
Empa researchers modeled 22 materials locked in coal mines, oil and gas platforms, power plants and pipelines. Their scenario analysis suggests recycling that retiring infrastructure could cover all modeled steel demand and roughly one-third of copper demand for parts of the energy transition. The calculation identifies a potentially useful stock, not a guarantee that every asset can be recovered economically or on schedule.
Why it matters
A circular-economy model counted steel, copper and other materials embedded in fossil-fuel infrastructure.
Limits and context
- The calculation identifies a potentially useful stock, not a guarantee that every asset can be recovered economically or on schedule.
Key claims
A circular-economy model counted steel, copper and other materials embedded in fossil-fuel infrastructure.
Qualification: The calculation identifies a potentially useful stock, not a guarantee that every asset can be recovered economically or on schedule.
Evidence: source-2026-07-29-010
Sources
- Empa via Newswise: Materials recoverable from fossil-fuel infrastructureEmpa via Newswise · secondary reporting
Corrections
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