Rio Tinto and Hydro have partnered to explore carbon capture technologies for aluminium electrolysis. The companies aim to evaluate available options for future implementation in the production process.
The partnership agreement includes the sharing of information, results, and costs related to research and development activities. This collaboration will cover lab tests with external suppliers and larger on-site pilots.
The partners plan to invest approximately $45 million over the next five years. Most work will take place at Rio Tinto’s facilities in Europe and Hydro’s facilities in Norway.
Moreover, both companies will continue their decarbonisation efforts independently alongside this collaboration. Anode consumption in the electrolysis process generates roughly 75% of a smelter’s direct CO2 emissions.
Over the past few years, both companies have explored various carbon capture technologies. These efforts aim to help meet their climate targets and support the scaling of carbon-free aluminium smelting technologies.
Rio Tinto Chief Executive Jakob Stausholm emphasized the importance of multiple solutions to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. He noted that partnering with Hydro would enhance their research and development capabilities.
Hydro President and CEO Eivind Kallevik stated that carbon capture technologies are crucial for decarbonising existing smelters. He believes the partnership with Rio Tinto will help accelerate the industry’s transition toward net-zero aluminium production.
Capturing carbon from aluminium smelter flue gas presents challenges. Current CO2 concentrations in flue gas are around 1%, necessitating the adaptation of existing technologies for effective capture.
The collaboration between Rio Tinto and Hydro aims to advance the development of these crucial technologies. The goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from aluminium smelting operations.
