Aluminium Dunkerque, a leading producer of primary aluminium in Europe, has taken a bold step toward greener metal production with the launch of its new Furnace 8, a state-of-the-art melting furnace dedicated to aluminium recycling. This innovation will enable the plant to recycle 7,000 tonnes of aluminium scrap annually, boosting output by 20,000 tonnes of low-carbon aluminium each year.
More than just a furnace, this development is a part of Aluminium Dunkerque's wider mission to support reindustrialisation in France and reduce dependence on high-carbon aluminium imports. Furnace 8 aims to slash CO2 emissions by 10 per cent of ingots produced, cutting a total of 25,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually.
Guillaume de Goÿs, CEO of Aluminium Dunkerque, said, "Each year, France still exports nearly 500,000 tonnes of aluminium scrap that could be processed domestically. By enabling on-site processing, Aluminium Dunkerque strengthens national sovereignty in critical metals while reducing greenhouse gas emissions."
MoU signed to boost electricity supply
Complementing this, on May 15, Aluminium Dunkerque announced that it has officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with EDF, setting the stage for a 10-year electricity supply agreement. The MoU was signed by Guillaume de Goÿs, President and CEO of Aluminium Dunkerque, and Marc Benayoun, EDF’s Group Senior Executive Vice-President for Customers & Energy Services, during the official inauguration of Furnace 8 at the Loon-Plage site.
This new agreement can also help the company to power its new Furnace 8. The partnership also reflects EDF's long-term commercial strategy to support the energy needs of key industrial players and reinforce their sustainable growth.
Also read: Speira upgrades plants with advanced furnaces for low-grade scrap
Just like the newly launched Furnace 8, the MoU signed, backed by the France 2030 plan, and represents a tangible step forward in AD's low-carbon journey. It enhances production capacity, advances the circular economy by recycling end-of-life aluminium, and strengthens local job creation.
Not only this, but the agreement beginning on January 1, 2026, is expected to secure a significant share of AD's electricity needs. Aluminium Dunkerque will also have the option to supplement its electricity supply with nuclear origin guarantees, enabling access to low-carbon power and further supporting its decarbonisation goals.
Significance of the Furnace 8
Furnace 8 also saves 96 GWh of electricity—a major stride in energy efficiency. Beyond sustainability, the project contributes to local industry by creating eight new jobs.
With an impressive output of 10 tonnes per hour, Furnace 8 is equipped with the latest cutting-edge technology. It features high-efficiency oxy-fuel burners—using a mix of natural gas and oxygen—to significantly lower emissions during the melting process.
Sustainability is built into every part of the system: an internal industrial water recycling loop ensures zero overuse of water resources, reinforcing Aluminium Dunkerque's commitment to responsible resource management.
The low-carbon aluminium alloys produced feed directly into the automotive industry, a sector increasingly focused on slashing emissions across the entire supply chain. Through Furnace 8, Aluminium Dunkerque is helping drive cleaner mobility from the very first step.
More recycled aluminium expected
With the addition of Furnace 8, Aluminium Dunkerque can now offer customers a greater volume of recycled aluminium with a significantly lower environmental footprint, directly contributing to the industry's decarbonisation efforts.
As France's last major primary aluminium plant, Aluminium Dunkerque holds a strategic position in the national industrial landscape. The facility specialises in producing high-quality slabs and ingots tailored for demanding sectors such as automotive, defence, transport, and packaging. With an annual production capacity of 300,000 tonnes, the plant plays a key role in shaping a more sustainable future for aluminium.
Also read: Aluminium Dunkerque's $375 million green deal led by Societe Generale
Image Source: Aluminium Dunkerque
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