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The German copper cathode and semis fabricator, Aurubis, has reported its concerns over the Federal Government's decision to phase out nuclear power. Aurubis said that the new legislative package, which involves the decommissioning of seven base load power plants, does not ensure that electricity will remain secure and affordable for the company. As such, it believes that power supply now represents a significant downside risk to its operations. In the event of a momentary power failure, the company would suffer a half-day cathode production loss. A sustained power shortage or blackout could cause substantial damage to plant equipment as liquid melts solidify. Aurubis said that steps were required to be taken to expand the power grid and increase power plant capacities. The company currently uses 1Bn KWh/y, approximately the same amount as 600,000 inhabitants.

TEPCO, a Japanese power supplier announced that it will increase its electricity prices for corporate clients by an average of 17% to cover higher energy costs for the use of thermal power plants while the firm idles many of its nuclear power facilities. The Japan Copper and Brass Association diapproves of the move, which it says would add ¥1.2 - 1.3B/y in production costs at the affected brass mills. The 23 copper product fabrication sites within the TEPCO supply area account for 43% of total copper semis output in Japan.

cable longevity

Shell highlights the view that renewable energy solutions are some way from offering a large-scale solution to our planets growing energy needs. The matters of finance and technology development breakthroughs appear to be the largest barriers to market, according to Shell. This view supports the notion that the world will be powered by a mix of fossil fuel, nuclear and renewable energy for the forseeable future.   

Is this the start of a non nuclear cold war?

Another one in a series of studies on this topic. This one predicts an 87,000% increase in the demand for battery materials which is not very helpful. Exponential extrapolation from a small basis over a long time horizon can basically come up with any growth figure. The logistic growth curve is a much better and proven model for technology transitions.

"Demand for cobalt, copper, lithium, cadmium, and rare earth elements needed for solar photovoltaics, batteries, electric vehicle motors, wind turbines, fuel cells, and nuclear reactors is set to explode in the coming years as countries around the world invest heavily in greening their economies".

Orginal source: https://science.sciencemag.org/content/367/6473/30 (though (also behind a paywall) and http://www.sussex.ac.uk/broadcast/read/50598. The latter mentions the 87000% figure referred to in the above comment.

Another challenge for nuclear fusion. Better design the copper heat sink to be replaceable.