Copper in the Age of AI: How a Traditional Metal Powers a High-Tech Future

Large server rooms like this are needed to run AI's power centers. At the core of many of the cooling systems that keep these centers running is an ancient metal- copper.

In the age of artificial intelligence (AI), copper—the world’s most versatile and reliable industrial metal—is experiencing a modern renaissance. As AI technology transforms industries, from healthcare to finance to logistics, the demand for the physical infrastructure behind this digital revolution is surging. At the heart of that infrastructure is copper.

Why AI Needs Copper

Artificial intelligence may sound intangible—software, algorithms, and cloud computing—but its operations are built on real-world infrastructure. Behind every AI model are power-hungry data centers, miles of cable, and high-performance computing hardware. And all of these rely heavily on copper.

From power delivery to heat management, copper is critical. Its superior electrical and thermal conductivity makes it the preferred material for data center wiring, transformers, cooling systems, and server components. With AI models growing larger and more power-intensive, the need for efficient and scalable infrastructure has never been greater—and copper is at the core of it all (Copper.org).

AI’s Energy Appetite = More Copper

The energy demand from AI is staggering. Training a single large AI model can consume as much electricity as 100 U.S. homes use in a year (Investopedia). Multiply that by the thousands of models companies are training globally, and it's clear why power-hungry AI is fueling a spike in data center development, each of which requires enormous quantities of copper for electrical infrastructure.

According to BHP, a global mining leader, the demand for copper from AI data centers is becoming “a structural, not cyclical, shift.” The company notes that AI-driven data centers require three to four times more copper than traditional ones, especially due to the increased use of high-performance computing and power redundancy systems (BHP).

Numbers That Matter

Industry analysts and traders are paying close attention. Trafigura, a global commodities trader, estimates that AI-related developments could add 1 million metric tons of copper demand annually by 2030 (Reuters). That’s equivalent to about 4% of the current global copper supply.

It’s not just about quantity; it’s also about timing. The copper supply chain is under pressure to meet this sudden surge in demand. Mines take years to develop, and geopolitical challenges in copper-rich regions like Chile, Peru, and the DRC add uncertainty to the pipeline. Meanwhile, AI infrastructure is growing now.

Beyond the Server Room

Copper’s role in AI goes beyond data centers. AI is also driving advancements in smart manufacturing, electric vehicles, communication networks, and rail infrastructure—all of which are heavy copper users. As Electris Power notes, copper is the “perfect partner” in modern AI technologies because of its balance of conductivity, durability, and sustainability (Electris Power).

A Future Wired in Copper

The AI revolution is often discussed in terms of silicon and software, but copper is the unsung hero. From the server rack to the power grid, copper is not just enabling AI—it’s empowering it.

As demand continues to rise, GLA Sales Inc. remains committed to delivering the copper solutions our partners need to power this next industrial era. We’re not just selling tubing; we’re helping wire the future.