Emerging Energy Efficiency and Carbon Dioxide Emissions-Reduction Technologies for Industrial Production of Aluminum

Aluminum production is among the most energy-intensive industries and accounts for one percent of total global carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions. The ongoing increase in world aluminum demand means that this industry’s energy use and CO₂ emissions will continue to grow. There is significant incentive to develop, commercialize and adopt emerging energy efficiency and CO₂ emissions-reduction technologies for aluminum production. Although studies from around the world have identified a wide range of energy efficiency technologies applicable to the aluminum industry that have already been commercialized, information is limited and/or scattered regarding emerging or advanced energy efficiency and low-carbon technologies that are not yet commercialized. This report consolidates available information on 10 emerging aluminum industry technologies, with the intent of providing a well-structured database of information on these technologies for engineers, researchers, investors, aluminum companies, policy makers, university students, and other interested parties. For each technology included, we provide information on energy savings and environmental and other benefits, costs, and commercialization status; we also identify references for more information.