About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2027 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Aluminum Reduction Technology
|
| Presentation Title |
Evolution of the Carbon Footprint of Primary Aluminum Production |
| Author(s) |
Gudrun A. Saevarsdottir, Halvor Kvande |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Gudrun A. Saevarsdottir |
| Abstract Scope |
The aluminum industry is committed to achieving global carbon neutrality by 2050. Greenhouse gas emissions from primary aluminum production stem from both the process itself and the production of the electric energy required, as well as from other inputs. Historically smelters were located close to hydropower sources, but after 2000 the sector’s specific carbon footprint grew as production expanded using fossil-based power. This trend has reversed over the past decade, largely due to new Chinese capacity powered by hydropower, wind and solar. Also there are reported reductions in other process emissions.
Globally, the carbon footprint declined from 17.3 kg CO₂eq/kg Al to 14.4 kg CO₂eq/kg Al. Of this 2.9 kg reduction, 2.2 kg CO₂eq/kg Al is attributed to increased renewable power use, with the remainder mainly from improved alumina refining. This paper discusses these developments and other key contributors to aluminum’s carbon footprint |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: Light Metals |
| Keywords |
Aluminum, Sustainability, Environmental Effects |