EGA And ENEC Achieve Milestone With First Low-Carbon Aluminium From Barakah Nuclear Energy

Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) and Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC) have announced a significant development in the UAE's industrial sector. They have delivered the first batch of low-carbon aluminium, produced using electricity from the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant. This initiative positions the UAE as a key player in supplying low-carbon materials globally.

The newly introduced aluminium, branded as MinimAL, will be supplied to CANEX Aluminum, a leading downstream producer in Egypt. This product enhances EGA's portfolio of low-carbon metals for both local and international markets. The collaboration between EGA and ENEC highlights the UAE's commitment to sustainable industrial practices.

Mohamed Al Hammadi, Managing Director and CEO of ENEC, emphasised the role of nuclear energy in enhancing national energy security. He stated, "This milestone shows how nuclear energy is boosting national energy security and enabling the UAE’s industrial decarbonisation in parallel, reliably powering energy-intensive sectors like aluminium production with clean electricity 24/7."

The clean electricity used for this aluminium production is certified through the UAE’s Clean Energy Certification programme. It follows International REC Standard (I-REC) protocols to ensure traceability and credibility. The power is distributed via Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) through the national grid.

The Barakah plant generates 40 terawatt-hours of clean electricity annually. This accounts for about 25% of the UAE's electricity needs, comparable to Switzerland's total annual power demand. The plant's carbon-free electricity prevents 22.4 million tons of carbon emissions each year, equivalent to removing 4.8 million cars from roads.

Future Prospects and Industry Growth

Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, CEO of EGA, highlighted the growing demand for low-carbon aluminium. He said, "Global demand for low carbon aluminium is expected to triple by 2040, and EGA aims to play an important role in this growth." The introduction of MinimAL is part of EGA's strategy to meet this rising demand through investments in nuclear power generation.

EGA has been at the forefront of sustainable aluminium production. In 2024, it became the first company worldwide to produce aluminium using solar power, creating 80 thousand tonnes under its CelestiAL brand. Additionally, EGA produces recycled aluminium marketed as RevivAL at its facilities in the United States and Germany.

Sustainability Initiatives

Mutassem Daaboul, Managing Director of CANEX Aluminum, expressed enthusiasm about incorporating MinimAL into their processes. He remarked, "At CANEX, we believe true sustainability is built into every layer of production - from the raw material to the final product." This partnership with EGA marks a step forward in reducing emissions from the start of their production process.

EGA is also constructing the UAE’s largest aluminium recycling plant at Al Taweelah. Scheduled to begin operations in early 2026, this facility will further enhance EGA's commitment to sustainable practices by increasing recycled aluminium production within the region.

This collaboration between EGA and ENEC signifies a major advancement in sustainable industrial practices within the UAE. By leveraging nuclear energy for cleaner aluminium production, they are setting a benchmark for future developments in low-carbon manufacturing on a global scale.

With inputs from WAM