Copper is a key material in solar energy generation and transmission, underpinning almost every part of the system, from cell connections and cabling to inverters and grid infrastructure. As global demand for renewables rises, collaboration among stakeholders across the copper value chain is becoming increasingly important. The partnership between the certification body Copper Mark and the Solar Stewardship Initiative (SSI) will centre on a leadership project to map solar value chains, identify environmental, social and governance (ESG) risks and develop solutions to enhance performance across the wider sector.
ESG: The EU wants to be a pioneer
The initiative is part of the Copper Mark’s broader Initiative for Responsible Renewable Energy Value Chains and its upcoming Responsible Metals Value Chain Platform, set to launch in 2026. It aims to foster direct engagement across the copper value chain, from mining, smelting, refining and recycling to fabrication, as well as with downstream stakeholders involved in component manufacturing, product design and grid operation within the solar industry. Input will also be sought from civil society organisations, regulatory experts and academic institutions. (hcn)
Sustainable Solar Europe 2025 – connecting industry and EU policy
