Connection

popular articles

Technip Energies secures key contract for Blue Point Number One ATR plant
Egypt: EGPC Awards Its First and Largest LNG Tender
Ecuador suspends oil exports after major hydrocarbon spill
Trident Investment launches Triton nuclear investment fund
Green light for Europe’s largest solar panel factory in Hambach

France and Its “Urban Mines”: An Underutilized Potential for Metal Recycling

France, the European leader in metallic waste exports, struggles to exploit its recycling potential, particularly for copper, a key element in the energy transition, according to a report by Oliver Wyman.
  • [favorite_button]

Please share:

The management of metallic waste in France reveals untapped economic and ecological opportunities. A recent report by the consulting firm Oliver Wyman highlights the importance of “urban mines” — recycling metals from demolitions, scrap vehicles, or electrical networks.

In 2021, France exported six million tons of metallic waste, the highest volumes in Europe. These materials are primarily recycled in countries like Belgium, Germany, or Italy, which are major net importers of these resources. Yet, this waste represents a significant asset for the national economy.

A Strategic Issue for Copper

Copper lies at the heart of these concerns. Essential for the energy transition, it is critical for manufacturing electrical cables. France consumes 257,000 tons of this metal annually to meet the rising demand linked to electrification. Simultaneously, 218,000 tons of copper waste are collected, but only 66,000 tons are recycled locally.

The remainder, around 206,000 tons, is exported, while 53,000 tons are imported. This situation creates a trade imbalance deemed problematic by the report. According to Éric Confais, a partner at Oliver Wyman, doubling copper recycling could reduce France’s trade deficit by 3% while accelerating the decarbonization of the waste sector.

Industrial and Regulatory Challenges

To harness this potential, France must modernize its infrastructure. Currently, only one copper recycling plant, operated by Nexans in Lens (Pas-de-Calais), is operational. This facility is planning an expansion by 2026 to increase its capacity by over 50%, achieving an annual production of 80,000 tons of recycled copper.

The report also recommends regulatory adjustments to promote the development of industrial chains for the collection, sorting, and transformation of metallic waste. Introducing quotas for recycled materials, similar to those implemented for plastics, could stimulate local demand.

Restricting Waste Exports: A Solution?

In addition to infrastructure development, regulating the export of metallic waste could strengthen French industrial sovereignty. Currently, foreign companies like Umicor in Belgium or Aurubis in Germany dominate this market, capturing the added value generated by recycling.

By equipping itself with plants capable of separating alloys and clinker, France could not only reduce its dependence on imports but also reinforce its role in the circular economy.

Register free of charge for uninterrupted access.

Publicite

Latest news

Europe Faces Critical Stagnation in Climate and Environmental Investments
Trump Rejects Any Uranium Enrichment by Iran, Moscow Supports Tehran
EDF and KOWEPO win 1.5-GW Al Zarraf solar project in Abu Dhabi
Gas injections in Europe exceed 0.5 bcm, a first since 2022
Ansaldo Energia signs strategic nuclear agreement with Uzbekistan

Recently published in

Europe Faces Critical Stagnation in Climate and Environmental Investments

Despite the proclaimed urgency, European climate investments stagnate around €500 billion per year, far from the estimated needs of nearly €850 billion. New financial instruments are attempting to revive an indispensable momentum.
African Debt: Why Investors Must Anticipate Immediate Climate Impacts
African countries now spend more on debt service than on education and healthcare, limiting essential investments despite significant energy potential. The G20, under pressure, struggles to provide an adequate response to the financial and climate challenges.
en_1140290945540-3
African Debt: Why Investors Must Anticipate Immediate Climate Impacts
African countries now spend more on debt service than on education and healthcare, limiting essential investments despite significant energy potential. The G20, under pressure, struggles to provide an adequate response to the financial and climate challenges.
en_1140290945540-3
Egypt authorises four private producers to supply 400 MW of electricity to industrial clients
Four renewable energy producers have been authorised to sell 400 MW directly to Egyptian industrial companies without public support.
en_1140290948540-2
Egypt authorises four private producers to supply 400 MW of electricity to industrial clients
Four renewable energy producers have been authorised to sell 400 MW directly to Egyptian industrial companies without public support.
en_1140290948540-2
Up to 30% of ASEAN data centres could be powered without batteries by 2030
A report by Ember shows ASEAN could supply nearly one-third of its data centres with wind and solar power by 2030 without storage, provided appropriate public policies are implemented.
en_1140290960540-2
Up to 30% of ASEAN data centres could be powered without batteries by 2030
A report by Ember shows ASEAN could supply nearly one-third of its data centres with wind and solar power by 2030 without storage, provided appropriate public policies are implemented.
en_1140290960540-2

Madrid rejects claims of experiment linked to nationwide power outage

Spanish authorities and grid operator REE denied conducting any experiment on the national electricity network prior to the massive outage on April 28, the cause of which remains unknown.
Wood Mackenzie’s tariff scenarios reshape global energy policy
Three trade trajectories projected by Wood Mackenzie show how tariff tensions could shift demand, prices and investment in the global energy sector.
en_1140290949540-15
Wood Mackenzie’s tariff scenarios reshape global energy policy
Three trade trajectories projected by Wood Mackenzie show how tariff tensions could shift demand, prices and investment in the global energy sector.
en_1140290949540-15
The European Union moves closer to 2030 energy targets, says Brussels
The European Commission states the Union is on track to cut emissions by 54% by 2030, following updated national plans.
en_1140290952540-15
The European Union moves closer to 2030 energy targets, says Brussels
The European Commission states the Union is on track to cut emissions by 54% by 2030, following updated national plans.
en_1140290952540-15
South Korea Launches Tenders for 2.25 GW of Renewable Energy
South Korea announces two major tenders totaling 2.25 GW, split between offshore wind and solar, introducing new economic and technical criteria designed to strengthen energy security and attract international investors.
en_1140290960540-14
South Korea Launches Tenders for 2.25 GW of Renewable Energy
South Korea announces two major tenders totaling 2.25 GW, split between offshore wind and solar, introducing new economic and technical criteria designed to strengthen energy security and attract international investors.
en_1140290960540-14

Ember forecasts solar and wind could power 30% of ASEAN data centres

Ember anticipates that a third of ASEAN data centre electricity demand could be met by wind and solar by 2030, without batteries, if appropriate political measures are implemented.
India steps up energy strategy as electricity demand set to triple
A Rocky Mountain Institute report reveals India’s energy ambition, with electricity demand potentially tripling by 2050, backed by an industrial policy focused on renewable energy.
en_1140290956540-14
India steps up energy strategy as electricity demand set to triple
A Rocky Mountain Institute report reveals India’s energy ambition, with electricity demand potentially tripling by 2050, backed by an industrial policy focused on renewable energy.
en_1140290956540-14
Indonesia plans 69.5 GW of new power capacity by 2034
The Indonesian government targets a mixed energy expansion involving coal, gas, renewables, and nuclear, requiring IDR2,967.4tn ($235bn) in investment by the end of 2034.
en_1140290954540-12
Indonesia plans 69.5 GW of new power capacity by 2034
The Indonesian government targets a mixed energy expansion involving coal, gas, renewables, and nuclear, requiring IDR2,967.4tn ($235bn) in investment by the end of 2034.
en_1140290954540-12
Tim Hodgson aims to accelerate permitting to revitalize Canada’s energy sector
Canadian Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson announces reforms to the energy permitting process, aiming to stimulate investments and strengthen relations between the government and industry.
en_1140290944540-12
Tim Hodgson aims to accelerate permitting to revitalize Canada’s energy sector
Canadian Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson announces reforms to the energy permitting process, aiming to stimulate investments and strengthen relations between the government and industry.
en_1140290944540-12

Washington prepares to remove emissions limits for coal and gas power plants

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is finalising a proposal to lift emissions caps for thermal power plants, amid a broader shift toward national energy security.
Pakistan allocates 2,000 MW to AI data centres and Bitcoin mining operations
The Pakistani government is releasing 2,000 megawatts of power to support the development of data centres focused on artificial intelligence and Bitcoin mining, as part of a strategy to attract foreign investment.
en_1140290956540-12
Pakistan allocates 2,000 MW to AI data centres and Bitcoin mining operations
The Pakistani government is releasing 2,000 megawatts of power to support the development of data centres focused on artificial intelligence and Bitcoin mining, as part of a strategy to attract foreign investment.
en_1140290956540-12
China surpasses 26% wind and solar electricity share in April, setting new record
In April, China generated 26% of its electricity from wind and solar, according to Ember, marking a historic first that reflects a rapid rebalancing of its energy mix.
en_1140290971540-4
China surpasses 26% wind and solar electricity share in April, setting new record
In April, China generated 26% of its electricity from wind and solar, according to Ember, marking a historic first that reflects a rapid rebalancing of its energy mix.
en_1140290971540-4
Belgium legalises extension of two nuclear reactors until 2045
Belgium’s federal parliament has adopted a law authorising the extension of Doel-4 and Tihange-3 reactors and allowing new nuclear construction, ending the nuclear phase-out policy established in 2003.
en_1140290956540-11
Belgium legalises extension of two nuclear reactors until 2045
Belgium’s federal parliament has adopted a law authorising the extension of Doel-4 and Tihange-3 reactors and allowing new nuclear construction, ending the nuclear phase-out policy established in 2003.
en_1140290956540-11

Australia commits AUD 22.7bn to support its energy policy through 2030

The re-elected Australian government is investing heavily in storage, critical minerals and domestic production to meet its target of 82% renewable electricity by 2030.
US budget proposal threatens tax incentives for renewable energy projects
The US House budget bill outlines a gradual phaseout of tax credits, affecting financing for solar, wind, storage, and clean hydrogen initiatives.
en_1140290975540-2
US budget proposal threatens tax incentives for renewable energy projects
The US House budget bill outlines a gradual phaseout of tax credits, affecting financing for solar, wind, storage, and clean hydrogen initiatives.
en_1140290975540-2
China slows fossil fuel output in April despite higher year-on-year volumes
China's gas, oil and coal volumes remain above last year’s levels, despite a decline in April compared to the record highs of March.
en_1140290979540-3
China slows fossil fuel output in April despite higher year-on-year volumes
China's gas, oil and coal volumes remain above last year’s levels, despite a decline in April compared to the record highs of March.
en_1140290979540-3
Regulator Ofgem forecasts 7% drop in energy bills from July
The UK’s energy price cap is expected to fall to £1,720 ($2,187) in July, according to Cornwall Insight, due to recent movements in wholesale markets.
en_1140290978540-3
Regulator Ofgem forecasts 7% drop in energy bills from July
The UK’s energy price cap is expected to fall to £1,720 ($2,187) in July, according to Cornwall Insight, due to recent movements in wholesale markets.
en_1140290978540-3

India signs $500,000 agreement to support clean energy startups

A partnership between the Indian government and GEAPP provides financial and operational support to early-stage climate-tech firms as part of a national energy strategy.
Uzbekistan accelerates energy modernisation with $100mn World Bank loan
A $150mn financing package, including $100mn from the World Bank, will support the modernisation of Uzbekistan’s power grid and integration of renewable energy in key regions.
en_1140291011540
Uzbekistan accelerates energy modernisation with $100mn World Bank loan
A $150mn financing package, including $100mn from the World Bank, will support the modernisation of Uzbekistan’s power grid and integration of renewable energy in key regions.
en_1140291011540
Canada aims to mobilise $1.1tn through major energy projects by 2035
A report from the Public Policy Forum calls for accelerating over 500 energy, critical minerals and infrastructure projects to generate CAD1 100bn in Canadian GDP growth.
en_1140290950540-9
Canada aims to mobilise $1.1tn through major energy projects by 2035
A report from the Public Policy Forum calls for accelerating over 500 energy, critical minerals and infrastructure projects to generate CAD1 100bn in Canadian GDP growth.
en_1140290950540-9
Quebec modernises gas regulations and integrates industrial hydrogen
Quebec opens public consultation on draft regulations to revise gas standards and frame the integration of hydrogen, with feedback expected by 27 June.
en_1140290952540-9
Quebec modernises gas regulations and integrates industrial hydrogen
Quebec opens public consultation on draft regulations to revise gas standards and frame the integration of hydrogen, with feedback expected by 27 June.
en_1140290952540-9

Advertising

LEGAL

FOSSILS

POLICY

RENEWABLE

PLUS

VERVANT

Welcome

Your subscription

Included in this subscription:

COMMUNICATE ON ENERGYNEWS