ACCELERATING THE DECARBONISATION OF THE ALUMINIUM INDUSTRY

ACCELERATING THE DECARBONISATION OF 

THE ALUMINIUM INDUSTRY

The year 2024 marks a significant milestone for the Aluminium Sector, particularly in light of the commitments made at COP28. As the global community pledges to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change, the Aluminium Industry is poised to play a pivotal role in these efforts.

Decarbonizing the Aluminium Industry, however, is no small feat. It necessitates technological innovations and strategic investments across the entire value chain, from bauxite mining to aluminium production and recycling. Simultaneously, the industry must remain economically viable and competitive on a global scale.

To achieve these objectives promptly, we need to harness both technological advancements and strategic decision-making. This includes determining the optimal approach and location for projects aimed at increasing production capacities, all while aligning with the proposed decarbonisation goals.

Several technological solutions are currently under exploration or implementation. These include the use of Renewable Energy Sources, enhancement of energy efficiency, development of low-carbon processes, and augmentation of recycling rates.

There is a consensus that utilizing Renewable Energy Sources is one of the most efficient and impactful strategies for Decarbonizing the Aluminium Industry across its entire value-adding links. Two particular actions hold significant potential:

 

• Electrical calcination of alumina, which could substantially reduce the carbon footprint of the Bayer Process.

• Complete replacement of fossil fuels for electricity generation in the Hall-Héroult process.

However, both these solutions currently face a limitation: only Hydroelectric Energy allows for uninterrupted 24/7/365 production at a cost that renders these inputs economically viable.

Other promising technologies for the Decarbonisation of the Aluminium Industry, currently in the evaluation stages, include the use of Plasma Torches and Green Hydrogen. Similar to the previous case, both alternatives require a continuous supply of Renewable Energy sources to ensure reasonable costs, specifically hydroelectricity.

Strategic decisions under consideration include relocating production facilities to regions with lower carbon intensity, forming partnerships and alliances with other stakeholders, and engaging with policymakers and regulators.

The ideal scenario is to achieve integrated bauxite-alumina-aluminium production in regions abundant in bauxite reserves and sufficient Hydroelectric Energy. However, finding geographic regions that also allow for adequate logistics of inputs and products is challenging.

Venezuela, particularly the Guayana region, is one such place that meets all these conditions. With bauxite reserves exceeding 2,000 million tons and available hydroelectric potential, coupled with the navigability of the Orinoco River all year round, it presents a viable option.

See: 

Venezuela, an ideal site for the integrated production of Bauxite-Alumina-Aluminium

Low Carbon Footprint

In conclusion, the Aluminium Industry has a tremendous opportunity to contribute to the global decarbonisation agenda and achieve sustainable, profitable growth in 2024. By adopting innovative and strategic approaches, and judiciously selecting regions for the expansion of low carbon footprint alumina and aluminium production, the industry can surmount the challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead.

Dr. Jesús Imery

PhD Engineering and Materials Science (Imperial College, London)

Email: jesus.imery@alprotes.com

Email: alprotes@alprotes.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jesus-imery