Energy

The production of aluminium is an energy intensive process. The power costs represent 30% in total expences for aluminium production. Hence, the energy rates can be a blessing or a handicap for the industry development in different countries. For example, the Chinese aluminium industry growth is being seriously impeded by the country’s high energy rates that currently reach US$1,000 per tonne of aluminium. Canada and the Middle East countries enjoy the lowest energy rates in the world.

Key steps taken by the global aluminium industry to reduce energy costs and ensure environmental safety:

Over a half of global aluminium is produced using renewable and environmentally friendly hydropower. The share of hydropower usage is particularly high in the Russian aluminium industry – 80% of the country’s smelters are run on the energy, generated by Siberia’s hydropower plants.

The rapid industry growth calls for researching new energy options and embracing alternative power sources that could adequately support the increasing production, while complying with the rising benchmarks in the environmental stewardship. For instance, an enourmous range of opportunities can be presented by the nuclear power. The construction of safe and clean small nuclear reactors is one of the most viable solutions to the pressing issues of energy security.

While taking lots of energy to be produced, aluminium also helps to cut the power consumption. Due to its lightness, aluminium allows reducing the weight of auto transport, thus cutting the consumption of fuel and the amount of harmful emmissions. A 10% reduction in an automobile weight prompts an 8% surge in its energy efficiency. Every 100 kg of aluminium contained in a car saves up to 1000 litres of fuel per 200 thousand of kilometers.