GREENER ALUMINIUM REVIEW 7
Greener Aluminium Summit calls for action By Zahra Awan*
The Greener Aluminium Online Summit, a one-day online event, took place on 24th May, marking its second year of action. The event aims to bring together aluminium manufacturers and environmental solutions providers to discuss how the industry must continue to adapt, minimising the impacts associated with production of the metal today, while also developing technological pathways for the future. There were more than 200 delegates registered, from across the globe. Attendees included representatives from Alba, Panda Aluminyum, European Aluminium, Shanghai Huafon Aluminium, as well as many more. Opening the event was Nadine Bloxsome, Editor and Content Director of Aluminium International Today. Setting the scene for the event, she stated, “[the event will] showcase ongoing projects, new technology, investments, and challenges we face together as a sector”,
emphasising the need for a united front. Keynote speaker, Joachim Von Scheele, Global Director of Commercialisation, Linde Technology presented on ‘Flameless Oxyfuel and Hydrogen for Greener Aluminium Production’. Mr Von Scheele discussed the dilemmas that arise when converting to 100% renewable Hydrogen/ Oxyfuel. He proposed that companies slowly integrate renewable fuel by implementing a step-by-step strategy, which slowly phases out the use of nonrenewable fuel. He presented an example of the first 100% renewable energy fuelled steel plant – OVAKO, where 25 tonnes of ball bearing steel was heated by 100% flameless Oxyfuel with Hydrogen Fuel. This is now being phased to full scale, at the steel company. Linde is now conducting its first large scale test with aluminium following a number of successful smallscale tests. Presenting next was Dr Fiona Solomon, CEO of the Aluminium Stewardship
Initiative. Dr Solomon discussed the future of the ASI in the next five years. “Climate actions and risks are front and centre for the industry”; the ASI aims to address all aspects to ensure an accurate assessment of environmental sustainability is made against a company. As well as environmental sustainability, the initiative assesses other sustainability factors to “maximise each other’s [companies] successes”. She announced the ASI’s new Indigenous Peoples Advisory Forum (IPAF), which uses qualitative data to assess and ensure social sustainability. Ms Solomons also discussed the new standards that the ASI announced following their five-year review, she disclosed that the ASI will be reviewing their standards more frequently to keep up-to-date with the changes in the industry. Next, Vice President of Alcoa, Rosa M. García Piñeiro presented on ‘The Technology Roadmap to Achieve the Aluminium Industry’s Net Zero Ambitions’.
*Editorial Assistant, Aluminium International Today Aluminium International Today
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July/August 2022
06/07/2022 11:17:46
