Rio Tinto and Hydro have embarked on a significant partnership to explore carbon capture technologies specifically tailored for the aluminium electrolysis process. This collaboration comes at a pivotal moment for the aluminium industry, which faces mounting pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. With an investment of approximately $45 million (£36 million) over five years, the two companies are set to leverage their combined expertise to enhance the viability of carbon capture solutions sourced from relevant suppliers.
The aluminium smelting process is notoriously carbon-intensive, with around 75% of a smelter’s direct CO₂ emissions stemming from anode consumption during electrolysis. As global climate initiatives gain momentum, the urgency to develop effective carbon capture technologies has never been greater. Capturing carbon from aluminium smelter flue gas poses unique challenges, requiring the adaptation of direct air capture technologies for higher concentrations or point source technologies for lower concentrations. Despite being in its infancy, the technology holds promise for significant emissions reduction.
Rio Tinto CEO Jakob Stausholm emphasized the strategic importance of this alliance, stating that it aligns with the company’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. He noted that the partnership allows both companies to leverage their complementary networks and research capabilities, a move that could catalyze innovation in carbon capture technologies. As the industry grapples with climate change, such collaborative efforts are essential to explore new avenues for reducing emissions.
Hydro’s President and CEO Eivind Kallevik echoed this sentiment, underlining the critical role of carbon capture technologies in decarbonizing existing smelters. He highlighted Hydro’s ongoing commitment to advancing solutions across the aluminium value chain, from mine to metal. The company has been developing its HalZero technology since 2016, which aims to revolutionize the aluminium production process by converting alumina to aluminium chloride before electrolysis. This approach not only aims to close the loop on chlorine and carbon but also seeks to eliminate CO₂ emissions entirely, replacing them with oxygen.
The partnership between Rio Tinto and Hydro is poised to accelerate the development of carbon capture technologies, potentially reshaping the aluminium production landscape. By pooling resources and expertise, the two companies are not just addressing their own emissions; they are setting a precedent for the industry at large. As they work towards viable solutions, the implications extend beyond their operations. Success in this venture could inspire other players in the aluminium sector to adopt similar technologies, thereby amplifying the impact on global emissions.
The aluminium industry stands at a crossroads, and the collaboration between Rio Tinto and Hydro could serve as a blueprint for how companies can work together to tackle the pressing challenge of climate change. As the partnership unfolds, stakeholders will be closely watching for advancements that could drive the entire sector towards a more sustainable future. The implications of this initiative are profound, not just for the companies involved, but for the broader fight against climate change in the industrial sector.
