Record-breaking copper prices are creating fresh challenges for wind and solar farm developers, who face surging costs for the essential metal used throughout renewable energy infrastructure.
Copper, a key component in turbines, solar panels, and transmission networks, climbed to an all-time high of $11,200 (£8,500) per tonne on the London Metal Exchange on Wednesday, extending gains of more than 27% so far this year — its strongest performance since 2017.
Although prices eased slightly on Thursday to $11,183 per tonne, analysts warned that costs remain historically elevated, threatening the profitability and timelines of new green energy projects.
Commodity experts say the rally reflects tight global supply, rising demand from electrification, and investor optimism about long-term renewable growth — but warn it could now become a double-edged sword for the very industries driving demand.
Developers across the renewable energy sector are reportedly reassessing project budgets and procurement strategies as copper’s surge threatens to inflate capital costs and delay new installations in the race toward net zero.
