Aluminium’s decarbonisation challenge extends beyond the electricity powering its smelters. Inside the reduction cell, electrode quality influences how efficiently that electricity is used, how much carbon is consumed and how consistently the process performs. Improving electrodes therefore offers producers a practical opportunity to address operating costs and emissions together. For Switzerland-based R&D Carbon , understanding the relationship between raw materials, electrode quality and industrial performance has been a focus for four decades. Founded in 1986 by Werner K. Fischer, the company built on carbon research previously undertaken at Swiss Aluminium Ltd., or Alusuisse. Today, it operates from Granges, near Sierre, with a team of 30 specialists serving more than 150 customers...
Mexico’s aluminum industry is looking to capitalize on rising demand from artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure, electric mobility, automotive manufacturing, and aerospace. Expanding technology investments and international market opportunities are expected to support sales growth, while the country’s reliance on imported aluminum highlights the importance of strengthening domestic processing capabilities. Ramón Beltrán, president of Mexico’s National Chamber of the Aluminum Industry (Canalum), expects the country’s domestic and international aluminum sales to gain momentum in 2026, supported by demand from advanced technology applications and established manufacturing sectors. “We expect to close out this year with growth of between 7.5% and 7.8% in domestic and international...
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Solex Energy, a prominent player in India's solar energy sector, has embarked on a transformative journey to significantly boost its manufacturing capacity. The Surat-based company has forged strategic partnerships with Chinese entities GMEE SC Solar and ATW to procure state-of-the-art manufacturing lines, a move that aligns with its ambitious growth plans. In a decisive step towards elevating its solar module production, Solex Energy has signed agreements with GMEE SC Solar and ATW. These collaborations will bring advanced manufacturing lines equipped with comprehensive automation to Solex Energy's production facility in Tadkeshwar, Gujarat. This initiative is pivotal for increasing the company’s solar module manufacturing capacity from the current 700 megawatts (MW) to an impressive 1.5...
The governments of Singapore and Qatar are collaborating to enhance carbon footprint accounting in the aluminium industry. Enterprise Singapore (ESG) and Qatar's Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) are leading efforts to implement cutting-edge technologies and frameworks to achieve this goal. About the initiatives This initiative supports the aluminium sector and sets a precedent for other industries to follow. Singaporean companies like #dltledgers are instrumental in this effort, providing the essential technological framework to achieve these goals through joint collaboration. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, including Qatar, play a pivotal role in global aluminium production. Qatar meets approximately 10 per cent of the world's aluminium demand and exports...
AMAG Austria Metall AG, the biggest company in the Austrian aluminium industry, is reportedly expanding its rooftop photovoltaic plant to double with the help of Energie AG, a modern and efficient energy and service group, in a bid to make a significant shift from using natural gas to green electricity for decarbonising Ranshofen aluminium production site. The expansion of the rooftop photovoltaic plant will start in June 2024 and is expected to be finished by the end of the year. Once done, it will be the largest rooftop photovoltaic plant in Austria. For the expansion, AMAG will install photovoltaic plant modules on six halls at the Ranshofen plant site, covering about 63,000 square metres of gross roof area, in addition to the existing area of 60,000 square metres. This means more than...
For the first time in the industry, Rio Tinto and BHP Group Limited will unite on testing a large battery-electric haul truck technology in the Pilbara, Western Australia, in a bid to integrate sustainable operational practices across mining. Reportedly, Rio Tinto and BHP will work with manufacturers Caterpillar and Komatsu to conduct independent trials of trucks, including testing of battery and static and dynamic charging systems, to assess performance of the vehicle in the Pilbara environment. The collaboration reflects all the companies’ individual commitment towards net zero operational greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Trials will begin with two Cat 793 haul trucks from the second half of 2024, followed by the trials of two Komatsu 930 haul trucks from 2026 at the Pilbara mine...
In a landmark move towards sustainable manufacturing, ABB's key production facility in Xiamen, China, emerged as a decarbonisation paragon. This site, which is renowned for producing low—and medium-voltage switchgear and circuit breakers on state-of-the-art production lines, has significantly reduced its annual CO 2 equivalent (CO 2 e) emissions. Leveraging advanced smart digital technology, the Xiamen facility has slashed its CO 2 e emissions by an estimated 13,400 tonnes, benchmarked against a 2022 baseline. This achievement is a testament to ABB's global Mission to Zero program, which aims to drive down carbon emissions across its operations worldwide. The Xiamen site's success highlights the potential for integrating smart technology to enhance sustainability in industrial...
Terms like renewable, eco-friendly, green energy, sustainable, emission reduction, have become the talk of the hour. Almost every company are looking for ways to shift towards sustainable practises. Traditionally, aluminium manufacturing has been energy-intensive, but a renewed emphasis on sustainability has propelled the adoption of inventive methods. These include a shift towards renewable energy sources, heightened attention to recycling endeavours, and the advocacy for ethically sourced raw materials. The aluminium industry is undergoing a significant transformation, with a strong emphasis on sustainability, where recycling plays a vital role, making it a top priority for producers and consumers. The industry's focus has shifted towards implementing eco-friendly practices and...
Sineng Electric's pivotal contribution to the 641MW solar project in Gujarat, part of the monumental 30GW Khavda Solar Park, heralds a new era in India's renewable energy sector. Expected to power 16.1 million homes, this project will become the world's largest renewable energy installation. By generating 1,900,000 MWh of clean energy annually and eliminating 913,428 tonnes of CO2 emissions, this venture epitomises the potential of sustainable technology. Developed and owned by Adani, the Khavda Solar Park is set to revolutionise the renewable energy landscape in India. Sineng Electric's significant role includes supplying 2,887 units of its state-of-the-art 275kW SP-275K-INH string inverters. These inverters boast a maximum efficiency of 99.03%, feature 12 MPPTs, and are compatible with...
On May 10, Chinalco's high-end dual carbon and digital intelligence action plan conference was held in Fuzhou. During the meeting, Chinalco unveiled its high-end "Digital Intelligence Action Plan (2024-2026)" and "Dual Carbon Action Plan." Chinalco Ruimin, recognised for its exemplary transformation in dual carbon and digital intelligence, shared successful practice cases. Additionally, Aluminum Intelligence and Colour Technology provided professional support reports. Li Xiehua, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and General Manager of Chinalco attended the meeting and delivered a speech. Tang Yong, Deputy General Manager of Chinalco, and Qu Ming, Assistant General Manager, were also present. About the conference After the conference, participants toured several key facilities,...
En+ Group, a prominent player in the production of low-carbon aluminium and renewable energy, has announced a significant leadership change. Mikhail Khardikov, the Chief Executive Officer, has resigned, and Vladimir Kolmogorov, a seasoned executive with vast experience in the energy sector, will succeed him. This transition marks a strategic move aimed at bolstering the company's growth and reinforcing its commitment to sustainability. Mikhail Khardikov has decided to step down from his position as CEO of En+. Under his leadership, the company has maintained stable operations and laid a solid foundation for future growth. His contributions have been instrumental in navigating the company through various challenges and setting the stage for continued success. The Chairman of the Board of...
According to a recent report, John Slaven, CEO of Vedanta Limited, said that its aluminium business would no longer indulge in adding coal-fired capacity for energy-intensive metal production as a move towards renewable energy. The aim is to increase the share of renewable energy to 30 per cent by 2030 from 5 per cent at present, asserted John Slaven in an interview with Reuters, adding that the company currently has 4.8 gigawatts of coal-based power generation capacity. Slaven also said that Vedanta secured supplies of 1.3 GW of renewable energy – a mix of solar and wind power – from India's Serentica Renewables. Vedanta's primary focus is to shift its power usage to renewable energy for aluminium production to reduce carbon footprint across its operations. "We don't want to add...
Qatalum, a joint venture aluminium smelter between Qatar Petroleum and Norsk Hydro, has been successfully recertified to the latest version (v3) of the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) Performance Standard. ASI, a globally recognized non-profit organization, plays a pivotal role in setting standards and providing certification for the aluminium industry. The Performance Standard, which Qatalum has held since April 2022, is a testament to the company's adherence to internationally recognized ESG principles and criteria that address various sustainability issues. Qatalum CEO stated, “Recertification to the latest ASI standard demonstrates Qatalum’s commitment not only to sustainability but also to transparency and good governance. This achievement is a product of our culture of...
In a recent report, Bank of America (BofA) underscored the profound impact of geopolitical dynamics on global metals supply chains, spotlighting China's pivotal role in green technology industries. The report highlights China's overwhelming dominance in producing electric vehicles (EVs), batteries, and solar panels, posing a significant competitive hurdle for companies outside its borders. This monopolistic position has not gone unnoticed in developed markets (DMs), where there is a growing sense of urgency to reassess and diversify their supply chains. The geopolitical risks associated with heavy reliance on Chinese manufacturing capabilities have become a focal point of concern, prompting these markets to explore alternative strategies to mitigate potential disruptions and ensure the...
In a strategic move signalling its commitment to sustainable energy, the Abu Dhabi-based Mubadala Investment Company has announced a significant cornerstone investment in PAG's Asia Pacific renewable energy platform. This marks Mubadala's inaugural venture into Japan's burgeoning clean energy sector. While the specific financial details of the investment remain undisclosed, this partnership underscores Mubadala's ongoing dedication to expanding its global renewable energy footprint and supporting the transition to a more sustainable future. PAG is a leading alternative investment firm focused on APAC with three core strategies: credit & markets, private equity, and tangible assets. Emirates Global Aluminium is the world’s largest ‘premium aluminium’ producer and the largest industrial...
A new report has revealed that nearly all major car companies undermine global efforts to prevent catastrophic climate change. According to InfluenceMap's Automakers and Climate Policy Advocacy report, the world's largest automakers are employing lobbying strategies that undermine global climate targets and hinder the transition to electric vehicles. The analysis examines the anti-EV lobbying activities of 15 major automakers across seven key regions worldwide, utilising industry-standard data from leading providers of automotive data, analysis, and insights to forecast electric vehicle production. InfluenceMap's recent findings highlight a dual concern within the automotive industry: automakers must catch up to the International Energy Agency's 2030 target for electric vehicle (EV)...
The aluminium industry is experiencing significant growth, with sustainability playing a pivotal role in shaping its trajectory. Historically, aluminium production has been energy-intensive, but a shifting focus towards sustainability has spurred the adoption of innovative practices. This includes a drive towards renewable energy sources, increased emphasis on recycling initiatives, and the promotion of responsible sourcing for raw materials. This week, the sustainability sector of the global aluminium industry witnessed many significant incidents. For example, Alba introduced a new low-carbon aluminium product line, followed by Moddex Group's sustainable shift to Capral's LocAl® Green lower-carbon aluminium. The industry also witnessed many new appointments and shifts to sustainability....
Nissan Motor is gearing up to integrate low CO 2 emission aluminium parts, crafted from green or recycled sources, into upcoming and existing models starting from the fiscal year 2024. This initiative holds significant promise, with aluminium constituting about 10 per cent of a vehicle's weight. Nissan's ambitious target Looking ahead to 2030, Nissan is setting ambitious targets, aiming to incorporate recycled aluminium components across its entire vehicle lineup. This strategic move aligns with the company's broader mission of achieving carbon neutrality by harnessing low CO 2 emission aluminium. The ultimate goal is to ensure that every stage of a Nissan vehicle's lifecycle, from production to disposal, is carbon neutral by 2050. Green aluminium, produced using electricity derived from...
Aluminium Stewardship Initiative has reportedly recognised INNOVATION New Material Technology Co., Ltd. for its sustainable production process across its value chain by presenting the Performance Standard V3 (2022) Certification. The company has received certification for its Suzhou Chuangtai Alloy Material Co., Ltd. facility in Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province, China, where un-forged aluminium alloy billets and profiles are produced through melting, casting, cutting, homogenising, profile extruding , and computer numerical control machining. The facility has an annual production capacity of 250,000 tonnes for casting and 60,000 tonnes for extrusion. Innovation New Material Technology Co., Ltd., formerly Beijing Hualian Hypermarket Co., Ltd., is a China-based company principally engaged in...
Alcoa Australia is strengthening its enduring dedication to safeguarding, revitalising, and disseminating knowledge about the forest by establishing a dedicated research centre. Over the next five years, the Forest Research Centre will receive $9.9 million in research funding from Alcoa, in connection with the company's bauxite mining activities in specific regions of the Northern Jarrah Forest in Western Australia's Darling Range. Alcoa is expanding its internal environmental research team from 4 to 11 members and enhancing existing facilities across various locations in WA to bolster its research initiatives. Tanya Simmonds, Interim Vice President of Operations in Australia, expressed that the Forest Research Centre will leverage the extensive research conducted over decades, which has...
