Alcoa inclines on new technologies, eyes renewable energy

Alcoa Corporation has announced its net-zero emissions plans, which it aims to achieve by 2050. The main intention is to increase the use of renewable energy at operations and bring new innovations to the market. The company said that it would cut 75 per cent of both direct and indirect emissions known as Scope 1 and Scope 2 from aluminium smelting and alumina refining.

To reduce emissions in refining and smelting processes, Alcoa will be using its own technologies like the Elysis zero-carbon smelting process and mechanical vapour recompression (MVR). Elysis joint venture was formed with Rio Tinto to develop a breakthrough technology known as inert anode, which emits pure oxygen and eliminates greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with the traditional process to make molten aluminium. Elysis carbon-free aluminium has already been purchased by leading end-product manufacturers such as Apple and Audi.

MVR is a potential technology that can significantly reduce carbon emissions in alumina refining. It is a renewable energy-powered process that Alcoa is currently evaluating in Australia with the support of a grant from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency.

Alcoa is reportedly eyeing to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 as part of the company’s broader focus on sustainability practices for producing bauxite, alumina, and aluminium.