In the above analysis we have identified how the changing objectives of society are impacting directly on copper-containing products, helping us to define where the emerging markets for copper will be. What may not be so clear is the close inter-relationship between the various new markets, i.e. they are mutually supporting.
In Figure 5 we show the interconnection between the energy infrastructure (generation, transmission and distribution), the premise market (including their internal infrastructure and equipment attached to that infrastructure) and transport. With premise-based charging of electric vehicles, for example, the internal premise infrastructure will have to be adapted, which in turn impacts directly on the requirements placed on the external electricity infrastructure. As the plug-in vehicles and the electricity infrastructure become smarter, it will become possible for electricity to be resold from the vehicle into the grid, thus strengthening the interconnection between the objects and systems concerned.
Figure 5: The Core Relationships Between Emerging Market Segments
Even without the electric vehicle, the external electricity infrastructure and how it is used in the premise are intimately bound. The logic of the emerging smart grid is partly about ensuring the integrity of the external electricity infrastructure, in particular making sure that the renewable energy based distributed generation is integrated fully within the system. Exactly what is required of the system, however, is determined by the electricity required at the premise (quantity and peak loading).
The other aspect of the smart grid, the interface with electricity users, is being developed to directly manage the demand side of the equation. Through time of day tariffs, electronic information exchange allowing the consumer to monitor and control energy expenses directly, and even direct control over energy use, the power utility of the future will be able to help reduce overall energy use, in particular peak loads. For the utility this means less generation capacity required. For the consumer it means achieving full benefit from the energy efficient systems installed.
Figure 6: Key Systems and Components in Emerging Market Segments
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