Resource use and the circular economy

Amprion requires large quantities of materials such as steel, aluminium, copper and plastics for grid expansion. From the outset, we have focused on resource efficiency and deliberately use durable materials. Over the past two years, an interdisciplinary working group has analysed our input and output flows, prioritising key materials that we track specifically: Steel is primarily used for pylons, conductor cables and transformers. Aluminium is the main conductor material for overhead lines and underground cables. Copper is used particularly in transformers and underground cables due to its conductivity. Plastic serves as an insulation, protective and housing material, particularly in underground cables. Insulating oil is used, amongst other things, in transformers for electrical insulation and cooling, whilst SF₆ is used as an insulating gas in gas-insulated switchgear.
This analysis forms the basis for our circular economy strategy, which we are developing through to 2028.

Resource inflow

Key materials Unit 2025
Total weight t 32,601
Steel
of which recycled materials 		t
% 		27,319
93
Aluminium
of which recycled materials 		t
% 		1,991
0
Copper
of which recycled materials 		t
% 		2,078
50
Plastic
of which recycled materials 		t
% 		771
0
Insulating oil
of which recycled materials 		t
% 		439
0
SF6
of which recycled materials 		t
% 		3
100

Explanation of metrics
Data collection is based on internal systems, supplier-specific data and external industry averages as a basis for estimates. For conductor cables, pylons, transformers and underground cables, the relevant key materials (steel, aluminium, copper, plastics, insulating oil) are accounted for on a weight basis. Where available, recycled content is requested from the supplier or assumed as average values. For the average values, reliable industry sources are used, such as data from the International Copper Association or the PW Consulting Information & Electronics Research Centre. No reliable data is currently available for aluminium, insulating oil and plastics; therefore, a recycled content of 0 per cent has been assumed for each.

Waste

In our use of resources, we ensure the careful handling of recyclable materials. Where possible, we avoid waste or promote its recovery. We collect all unavoidable waste separately and dispose of it in accordance with legal requirements. In a central waste inventory, we record waste management data such as the type, quantity and destination of waste and evaluate this regularly. In doing so, we ensure full transparency, particularly vis-à-vis the authorities.

Amount of waste

Waste Unit 2025 2024
Total t 82,915 9,432
Non-hazardous Waste t 74,312 5,622
Hazardous waste t 8,603 3,810
Recovery % 88.8 84.7
Disposal % 11.2 15.3

Explanation of metrics
The waste data are provisional figures, as not all data were available at the time of publication. These figures are adjusted in the following year on the basis of subsequently reported data. No projections of waste data are made at the time of reporting due to high estimation uncertainties relating to waste from construction activities and limited historical data. The significant deviation in the total waste volume compared with the previous year is primarily attributable to improved data reporting and an increase in construction activity.