Masdar Joins Forces With EGA To Advance Aluminium Decarbonisation

In a significant move towards sustainable industrial practices, Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company "Masdar", a leading entity in the global clean energy sector, has joined forces with Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), the world’s foremost producer of premium aluminium. This collaboration is set to explore avenues for aluminium decarbonisation and the growth of low-carbon aluminium production opportunities.

The partnership was formalised in the presence of Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Chairman of Masdar. The alliance aims to investigate the joint development of renewable energy projects, potentially incorporating battery storage and green hydrogen production and storage. These initiatives are intended to support the decarbonisation of EGA’s operations within the UAE and any future expansions.

Furthermore, Masdar and EGA plan to extend their collaboration internationally, seeking opportunities for Masdar to facilitate the powering of new EGA aluminium production facilities with renewable energy sources. This strategic move underscores Masdar’s position as a global leader in renewable energy and the UAE’s flagship clean energy company, known for developing and operating utility-scale renewable energy projects worldwide.

Aluminium production is notably energy-intensive, with approximately 60 percent of the global aluminium industry’s greenhouse gas emissions attributed to electricity generation from fossil fuels. Mohamed Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar, emphasized the importance of such partnerships in accelerating the journey towards Net Zero emissions. He highlighted that combining knowledge and resources to decarbonise vital industries not only protects the environment but also stimulates economic growth, aligning with Masdar’s core mission.

Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of EGA, pointed out the critical role of aluminium in the broader decarbonisation effort across various sectors. He noted that aluminium demand could surge by up to 80 percent by 2050, contingent on sustainable production methods. The alliance with Masdar is poised to unlock opportunities for decarbonising EGA’s operations, including expanding the production of CelestiAL solar aluminium, thereby securing low-carbon growth.

EGA’s significant contribution to the global aluminium market is underscored by its status as the producer of one-in-every 25 tonnes of aluminium worldwide. The company’s products represent the largest non-oil and gas export from the UAE, reaching over 50 countries. In a landmark achievement in 2021, EGA became the first entity globally to produce aluminium commercially using solar power, producing almost 39 thousand tonnes that year. By 2023, this figure had increased to approximately 66 thousand tonnes of CelestiAL solar aluminium.

Masdar’s commitment to clean energy is evident in its active presence across more than 40 countries and its investment in renewable energy projects boasting a combined capacity exceeding 20 GW. With an ambitious target to achieve at least 100 GW of total renewable energy capacity by 2030 and an annual green hydrogen production capacity of up to 1 million tonnes by the same year, Masdar is at the forefront of driving sustainable energy solutions globally.

With inputs from WAM