Green aluminum: A game changer or a buzzword?

Aluminum (Al) as a commodity is a principal element in the sustainability transition. It can potentially play a key role in energy transition. A sustainable development scenario will require improved end-of-life recycling and further research and development (R&D) investment in new technologies in order to reduce emissions from primary production. “Green aluminum” is a concept in which the metal is supplied with a lower greenhouse gas (GHG) intensity through 1) higher recycled content and 2) the use of green energy (renewable and hydroelectric) to produce primary aluminum from bauxite. Primary Al manufacturing is accountable for 4% of the world’s electricity and 1% of the GHG annually. New technologies bring GHG intensity down to 2.5 tons CO2e/ton Al, from a world average of 12.5–16.0 tons CO2e/ton Al. The projections show that 3.5 million mt/year, comprising 80% of the total amount by 2025, could be supplied using “green aluminum” methods. The aim of the present chapter is to prepare a guide for the aluminum industry to meet the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C target. Furthermore, the features that are highlighted in this chapter can be useful for other industries having a symbiotic relationship with the aluminum industry. This chapter gives such methods, future predictions, how they can help achieve mitigation of emissions that derive from aluminum production such as low-carbon energy use, and technological advances in aluminum production. Moreover, the effect of aluminum on the decarbonization of other sectors is discussed in detail.