Coolbrook brings 1,700°C electric heating tech in Australia’s alumina decarbonising drive

Finland-based renewable heat technology developer Coolbrook has joined Australia’s Heavy Industry Low-carbon Transition Cooperative Research Centre (HILT CRC) as an affiliate partner, bringing its electrified heating technology into research aimed at decarbonising alumina refining and the wider aluminium industry. The collaboration would explore how high-temperature electric heating can support next-generation alumina refineries, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Coolbrook would work alongside major alumina and aluminium producers, including Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), Alcoa, Rio Tinto, South32 and Hydro, as well as research organisations of CSIRO and Adelaide University.  

Initially, it would focus on HILT CRC’s Alumina Refineries’ Next-Generation Transition (AlumiNEXT) project, which aims to cut emissions from alumina production through electrification of high-temperature calcination procedures.

Coolbrook’s Chief Commercial Officer Lauri Peltola noted that collaborating with HILT CRC opens a door “to explore new applications for the technology.”

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Coolbrook has created an electrically powered rotating heater that can reach temperatures of up to 1,700°C. Having begun supplying its first commercial plant earlier this year, it is targeting several energy-intensive industrial sectors.

HILT CRC CEO Jenny Selway stated that Coolbrook’s participation “brings valuable capabilities in high-temperature CO2-free process heating.”

The consortium of 75 industry, research and government organisations is working to accelerate decarbonisation across the alumina, iron and steel, and cement industries.

Selway regarded the importance of adding new technologies to the “collaborative ecosystem” to broaden the “range of solutions” assessed to ensure that their research “research remains focused on the practical challenges manufacturers face as they transition away from fossil fuels.”

As the venture is expected to decarbonise alumina refining and offer a long-term boost to the aluminium industry, Peltola mentioned, “We look forward to contributing our expertise in high-temperature electrification and supporting the development and demonstration of these solutions at an industrially relevant scale.”

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