Ducab, a UAE-based cable and wire company, is increasing its focus on recycling and local sourcing of raw materials. This comes as demand rises for metals like copper and silver, which are used in clean energy systems.
Speaking at the World Utilities Congress in Abu Dhabi, Shailendra Pratap Singh from Ducab said copper demand could double in five to ten years. He said that “supply from countries like Chile, Peru, and the Democratic Republic of Congo may face issues.” These include political risk and climate-related disruptions.
Singh said copper prices are expected to rise. He referred to a forecast from Goldman Sachs, which estimates copper could reach $10,500 per metric tonne by 2026. For comparison, copper cost around $3,000 fifteen years ago. Singh also mentioned silver. It is important for solar panel production and is under pressure from supply limits.
To reduce reliance on imported materials, Ducab is recycling more of its own copper. Singh said “they use in-house granulators to process copper that has already been used. The company also works with partners such as Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and TAQA to take back old materials.”
Ducab also uses molten aluminium from Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), located near its plant. Receiving the material in molten form means they do not need to remelt it. This helps lower emissions.
This focus on recycling and nearby sourcing is meant to help Ducab manage risks in the global metal supply chain. It also supports the company’s plan to keep operations running as demand grows.
In the UAE, other smaller renewable energy and materials projects are ongoing. A project in Ras Al Khaimah is testing small-scale rooftop solar systems on municipal buildings, with a total capacity of 2 megawatts (MW). Another pilot project in Sharjah is using scrap metals from demolished buildings to make low-voltage wiring for local use.
