New podcast episode examines the growing strains in copper markets

The IEA today released a new episode of its Everything Energy podcast exploring the growing importance of copper – an essential component of electricity systems, electric vehicles, data centres and more – and the risks of supply failing to keep up with a strong rise in demand in the coming years.

In the episode, available now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, IEA Critical Minerals Analyst Shobhan Dhir discusses the key role that copper plays in modern energy systems. He explains what has driven copper prices to record highs this year, the challenges facing smelters that process copper ore, and the wider implications of these developments for global energy markets. He also explores why global copper supply could fall significantly short of demand by 2035, and what can be done to help close the gap.

The IEA’s Everything Energy podcast offers insights and perspectives on leading global energy issues. An earlier episode featured conversations with leading experts on how critical mineral supplies have emerged as an increasingly important dimension of energy security.

Other recent episodes have explored a number of topics linked to the energy crisis stemming from the war in the Middle East – including what the latest developments mean for oil markets, why diesel prices have soared, the emergence of cooking fuel shortages, how the crisis is reshaping energy investment trends and what the energy world looked like on the eve of the Strait of Hormuz shock.

All past episodes are available here.