Aluminium Industry - Key global challenges and opportunities

Globally, the aluminium industry is facing unprecedented challenges. Light metal demand is primarily driven by the development of transport, energy, electronics, building & construction, and other industries that require increased energy efficiency. There are, however, some issues that need to be taken seriously. These include the environment and climate change, population growth and urbanization, innovations and new products and technologies, to name a few.

In the years leading up to 2050, aluminium demand is anticipated to grow by more than 70%-75%, while overall sector emissions are expected to decrease by around 80%. Several aspects of this reduction can be achieved by decarbonizing the power sector, but additional breakthrough technologies are also required.

Climate:

While Industry needs to decarbonise, it is important that while calculating the 'Carbon Footprint', the complete life cycle is calculated of the metal or metal products that need to be considered, starting from bauxite mining, shipping, alumina production its transportation to the smelter and finally carbon footprint of all the inputs including and the energy used in the production of the primary metal and direct downstream product. As a result, various stakeholders in the value chain would be provided with a level playing field, and there would also be an opportunity and challenge to reduce carbon emissions.

The current system is heavily tilted towards a few primary producers with nature-gifted hydropower and geothermal energy and enjoy significant advantages over those dependent on hydrocarbon and fossil fuel.

Even governments and industry have to rationally look if the countries with hydropower and geothermal energy can meet the growing demand for aluminium.

Branding of aluminium as a green metal:

Suppose one looks at the total life cycle of aluminium and its ability to be recycled infinite times, its character light weight Helping Carbon footprint and energy reduction in its usage, its thermal and electrical properties, and its easy formability. In that case, it makes true sense to a 'Green' and infinite metal, and no other metal comes closer to it. Hence 'Green' tagging of all aluminium products is a must.

Industry, Advocacy Groups, Govts., while they recognise aluminium as a strategic metal, they need to do more to promote its usage in every possible field.

R&D in accelerated development of newer processes for the production of primary aluminium

The fact that Aluminium as a metal is the most abundant element in the earth's crust would not only increase its usage but would also fuel R&D in terms of the development of newer processes to produce Aluminium in the most cost-effective and environment-friendly (Carbonless ) manner.  Surprisingly, in two centuries, no alternative processes of primary aluminium production could be developed and commercialised compared to what could be done in Steel, Copper, Zinc and lead production.

With renewable energy becoming more and more affordable, though it has limitations of stable and continuous supply and storage,  renewed research on the development of carbonless and energy-efficient chemical reduction, direct reduction through solar, and many more should be undertaken across the world besides what is being pursued now like inert anode.

Aluminium: Strategic metal for the global ecosystem

As the global aluminium ecosystem represents more than 1% of global GDP, now a trillion-dollar-plus economy with consistent growth, employing tens of million people across the world, supporting the globe in every possible way for climate sustainability, should get its due place in every country and ecosystem, which would then propel its usage, help in climate sustainability and global prosperity.

Final words

The need for zero-carbon technologies for aluminium production is a significant obstacle. The aluminium sector must therefore devise a strategy that balances the pressing need to cut emissions with the rising demand for aluminium. Collaboration and legislative incentives that permit the enormous investments required can make it possible. Our industry increasingly understands that changes need to be made, and there is a level of urgency. However, metal manufacturers begin at different positions, and the journey to zero is more difficult for some. Still, I believe the full life cycle of aluminium products vis-a-vis products made with other metals, aluminium stands out.