Electricity, an ally to achieve zero emissions in aluminum manufacturing

New electricity-based aluminum manufacturing technologies will lead to the desired goal of zero waste by 2050, according to a report by European Aluminium: Net-zero by 2050: Science Based Decarbonisation Pathways for the European Aluminium Industry”.

The objective is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 92.4% by 2050. To achieve this, a shift to electricity-driven technologies in aluminum manufacturing, such as alumina refining and smelting processes, is required, the paper notes.

To get to this point, the industry needs to make an in-depth restructuring of new foundry facilities, with the high economic cost that this entails. R&D spending will determine the pace of decarbonization of the sector.

The report urges decision-makers to accelerate the switch to cleaner energy, but calls for legislative support to make this process more affordable for aluminum entrepreneurs. Of course, recycling initiatives have to support this zero waste objective at all times. This lever of change is already a reality to which manufacturers, and even consumers, are committed.

European Aluminium director Paul Voss,  stresses that “Given that aluminum is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions today and a strategic material for tomorrow’s clean energy sector, the stakes are high and our responsibility is clear.”