#None #Aluminium Industry #Greenhouse Gas Emissions #International Aluminium Institute

Global Progress in Aluminium Production and Emissions Reduction

The aluminium industry is marking a pivotal moment in its journey towards sustainability, as highlighted by recent data from the International Aluminium Institute (IAI). The report emphasizes a remarkable achievement: the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity has decreased by 2.33%, equating to 10.04 tonnes of CO2 equivalent for each tonne of aluminium produced.

In a significant development, global aluminium production rose by 2.75% in 2023, reaching 111.2 million tonnes, while the total emissions held steady at approximately 1,116 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent. This achievement marks the third successive year where production growth has been achieved without a parallel increase in emissions, a trend that demonstrates the industry’s commitment to decoupling growth from environmental impact.

Emissions Growth Controlled

The reported rise in GHG emissions from global aluminium production was just 0.36% in 2023, underlining the effectiveness of the strategies implemented by the industry to maintain a sustainable trajectory even as production scales up. The last recorded peak of emissions occurred in 2020, making the current figures a point of pride for industry stakeholders.

According to IAI Secretary General Miles Prosser, this data is a testament to the aluminium sector reaching a critical juncture: "The latest data reinforces our confidence that the industry has reached a turning point, with metal production growth successfully decoupled from emissions growth. We are encouraged to see that the initiatives undertaken by IAI's member companies are enabling increased production without a significant rise in GHG emissions."

Challenges Ahead

While the stability of emissions levels over the past year is commendable, it also serves as a reminder of the substantial challenges that lie ahead. The industry has already made considerable investments in emissions-reduction projects, laying a robust foundation for future initiatives. However, more aggressive actions are required to ensure that emissions reductions not only continue but accelerate over time.

The aluminium sector holds significant potential for contributing to wider efforts aimed at reducing carbon footprints across various industries. It plays a crucial role in clean energy generation, the transition towards electric vehicles, and the adoption of sustainable materials, like recyclable packaging for food and beverages. As demand for aluminium continues to grow, the industry is committed to further investments aimed at reducing emissions across the entire production value chain.

Key Metrics of Progress

The emissions intensity of aluminium production decreased from 10.28 tonnes of CO2e per tonne in 2022 to 10.04 tonnes in 2023, indicating steady progress. Furthermore, the emissions intensity specific to primary aluminium production fell from 15.1 tonnes of CO2e per tonne in 2022 to 14.8 tonnes in 2023. This consistent downward trend showcases a collective effort to minimize the environmental impact associated with aluminium manufacturing.

Conclusion

The latest findings from the IAI not only underscore the successful decoupling of aluminium production growth from GHG emissions growth but also highlight the pressing need for ongoing efforts to push the envelope in sustainable practices. By continuously exploring innovative strategies for emissions reduction, the aluminium industry can remain a key player in the transition to a more sustainable global economy.