3 challenges the aluminium industry should solve to decarbonize faster

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🗞️ Driving the news: The aluminium industry is under pressure to decarbonize quickly, with demand set to grow by 40% by 2030
• Despite strides in reducing emissions through renewable energy and recycling, major challenges remain in cutting the industry’s 1.1 billion tonnes of annual CO₂ emissions

🔭 The context: Aluminium production is highly energy-intensive, with processes like electrolysis and bauxite refining driving significant emissions
• While aluminium recycling offers an energy-saving solution, investments in new technologies and large-scale decarbonization are urgently needed to meet climate targets

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Aluminium contributes 2% of global greenhouse gas emissions
• Decarbonizing the industry is critical as demand surges, with solutions such as recycling, green energy, and breakthrough technologies being crucial for reducing its climate impact

⏭️ What's next: The industry must address three challenges: 1) establishing clear definitions for decarbonized aluminium, 2) applying consistent carbon footprint measurement methodologies, and 3) incentivizing green investments through appropriate green premiums to accelerate the transition

💬 One quote: “The green premium for low-carbon aluminium is not necessarily awarding direct emissions cuts,” highlighting the need for clarity on what qualifies as green aluminium

📈 One stat: Aluminium recycling uses 95% less energy compared to primary aluminium production, making it a key pathway for decarbonization

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