U.S. aluminum producers recognize that energy efficiency offers a competitive edge in world markets. The aluminum industry has worked with the U.S. Department of Energy to develop a range of resources that can help to increase energy efficiency and lower carbon emissions.
Analytical Studies & Other Publications
- Manufacturing Energy and Carbon Footprints provide a mapping of energy use, energy loss, and carbon emissions for selected industry sectors.
- Manufacturing Energy Sankey Diagrams map the flow of energy supply, demand, and losses in U.S. manufacturing sectors (including aluminum), using data from the Manufacturing Energy and Carbon Footprints.
- Bandwidth Study on Energy Use and Potential Energy Saving Opportunities in U.S. Aluminum Manufacturing (2017)
- U.S. Energy Requirements for Aluminum Production, Historical Perspective, Theoretical Limits, and New Opportunities (2007)
Documents for historical reference
Aluminum Industry Technology Roadmap
Alumina Technology Roadmap (2001)
Aluminum Industry Vision (2001)
Technical Working Group on Inert Anode Technologies (1999)
Aluminum Industry Roadmap for the Automotive Market (1999)
Inert Anode Roadmap (1998)
Energy and Environmental Profile of the U.S. Aluminum Industry (1997)
Aluminum Manufacturing
The low density and corrosion resistance of aluminum make it the preferred metal for many manufactured products—from spacecraft components to beverage cans.
The United States is a large importer and exporter of both primary (made from ore) and secondary aluminum (made from recycled or scrap material). In the manufacture of primary aluminum, energy represents about one-third of total production costs.