Copper and grids: the global race reshaping the wire and cable supply chain

The twin forces of global energy transformation and digital acceleration are reshaping copper demand—and by extension, the entire wire and cable industry. According to BMI data reported by Reuters, copper demand for upgrading power generation and transmission networks alone is projected to rise from 12.52 million metric tons in 2025 to 14.87 million by 2030. Grand View Research forecasts the global copper wire market will grow at a 6.6% CAGR, surpassing USD 210 billion by the end of the decade.

This surge is being fueled by a diverse array of high-demand sectors: utilities, data centers, renewable energy systems, and EV charging networks. All require high-purity, precision-engineered conductors, spurring demand not only for wire and cable products but also for the advanced machinery used in their manufacture. Fastmarkets highlights the rapid rise of AI-driven data centers as a significant new source of copper demand, while UNCTAD flags potential supply risks—prompting renewed focus on recycling and localized production.

Material choices: copper, aluminum, alloys, and composites

While copper remains foundational, material diversification is accelerating. Aluminum is gaining share in power transmission and EV applications due to its lighter weight and cost advantages. Advanced copper alloys offer improved performance under thermal and mechanical stress, and new high-performance polymers and composites are enabling lighter, safer, and more efficient designs.

Emerging research provides a window into the next generation of conductors. Breakthroughs are pushing beyond the limits of conventional metals. For instance, one major research thrust focuses on scalable manufacturing for copper/carbon nanotube (Cu/CNT) composites to create wires with exceptional specific conductivity  (Li et al., 2025; Kato et al., 2025). In parallel, studies on graphene/copper composites report measurable gains in both conductivity and tensile strength (Liu et al., 2024). These advances signal a decisive shift from monolithic metals to precision-engineered composite and alloy systems across the wire and cable supply chain.

Opportunities along the wire and cable value chain

For players in the cable and wire ecosystem, this can be a moment of opportunity. Producers of wires, insulation, drawing equipment, and control systems may benefit from assessing compatibility with advanced materials (e.g. composites, hybrid conductors). Those who can adapt processes, optimize for precision and flexibility, and invest in R&D around next-generation materials will be better positioned as market growth and innovation continue to evolve across the supply chain.