India Energy Week 2026 ends but sets the course for aluminium’s green transition

India Energy Week 2026, which concluded on January 30, has left the energy ecosystem with much to reflect on for the year ahead. The fourth edition of the 4-day conference reinforced a clear message and that was every industry, whether directly or indirectly connected to power, electricity, and fuel must now reassess its strategies in light of accelerating energy transition journey. And among all the industries, definitely aluminium takes a centre stage in this discussion, given its energy-intensive nature. Data indicates aluminium embodies total 186-211 GJ of energy per tonne, while primary aluminium production alone needs 13.5 to 17 MWh per tonne. At the same time, the industry is under mounting pressure to decarbonsie its ecosystem, with a near-term goal of bringing the carbon footprint of primary aluminium below 3–4 tonnes of CO₂e per tonne by 2030.

The pathways to this transition are typically greater integration of renewable and green energy and a higher share of recycled aluminium in production. So, recognising this strategic importance of energy transition for the aluminium industry, AL Circle was at the event to track key discussions and industry viewpoints, with focus on solutions and developments around clean energy adoption in the aluminium industry.

So, here are the key takeaways from the event for the Indian and global aluminium industry:

Decentralised renewables and grid resilience is much required in India

Clean energy demand is growing rapidly in India but grid stability remains a major challenge. So, mirco grids are the solution for stable power, said Shri. Bhupinder Singh Bhall IAS (Retd), Technical Member, Appellate Tribunal for Electricity & Former Secretary, Ministry of New & Renewable Energy. Echoing this viewing, Gyanesh Chaudhury, Chairman and MD of Vikram Solar, emphasised the need to decentralise renewable energy, noting that strong and consistent policy support is essential, as “policy is the first line of defence” for renewable expansion.

For more facts and figures on energy transition in the global aluminium industry, download our report: Global Aluminium Industry Outlook 2026

Nuclear power as a firm decarbonisation lever

Discussions with Sama Bilbao y León, Director General of World Nuclear Association, highlighted nuclear energy as one of the most viable options for decarbonising aluminium production as nuclear power itself is carbon-free and not dependent on weather conditions – which is an important advantage for energy-intensive, continuous processes such as aluminium smelting. Sama said that in 2024 nuclear power accounted for 9 per cent of global electricity and helped avoiding 2.1 billion tonnes of CO2, equivalent to eliminating the entire aviation sector’s emissions twice over.