| Abstract Scope |
Much has been made of aluminium’s environmental credentials as a metal, with its infinite low energy recyclability and ability to contribute to decarbonisation through light-weighting effects in transportation. However primary aluminium production, as one of the five large hard-to-abate sectors, faces a unique set of challenges to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050 as a pathway to full decarbonisation has proven elusive. Here we examine the latest IEA score card (more effort needed), and propose what a pathway to zero carbon emissions for aluminium production could be, including what changes in processes and electricity use need to occur, and what are the risks to the industry if we don’t get on a pathway at all. |