Increased public concern for sustainable development and the environment has led to a debate about energy resources and the efficient use of energy. Inefficient use of energy depletes natural resources and may threaten climate change. The aluminium industry supports the development of a more energy efficient society.
Efficient use of energy
The aluminium industry is particularly concerned about the wise use of energy for two reasons:
- Because aluminium is energy intensive, the aluminium industry constantly focuses on the efficient use of energy . There is no energy alternative for the sector to electricity, which represents a large part of aluminium production costs. The industry has its own interests at stake in becoming more energy efficient. The efficiency of aluminium smelters has shown a steady improvement since the 1950s, and electricity consumption has fallen by more than a third over that period.
- Energy is stored in aluminium products and can be re-used: aluminium products can be turned into recycled aluminium saving up to 95% of the energy used in primary production. Aluminium products are intrinsically a formidable source of energy. The recuperation of used aluminium products is thus both energy-efficient and cost-efficient for the industry. In Europe 40% of the 13.2 million tonnes of aluminium used in 2006 came from recycling.
Aluminium industry supports energy efficiency
The aluminium industry is constantly researching ways to use energy more effectively by:
- Maximising the energy-saving potential of aluminium products. Down-gauging, using thinner and stronger aluminium sections, is constantly researched and developed to reduce the energy needed for their production, use and transportation.
- Increased recycling through improved aluminium collection. The industry is supporting the increased recycling effort and contributes to further developing technologies for collection and sorting improvements.
- Streamlining energy use during production. General energy consumption throughout the production process is expected to be reduced as a consequence of technology development and upgrading of existing installations. Continuously improved technology have allowed reductions in energy consumption for electrolysis.
