Revitalizing US primary aluminium production to meet the rising demand from the clean energy sector: BlueGreen Alliance

The BlueGreen Alliance, a non-profit organization based in Washington, has recently published a report presenting recommendations to address the downward trend in the primary aluminium industry in the United States. The report focuses on meeting the increasing demand for aluminium from the clean energy sector, creating well-compensated employment opportunities, enhancing national security, and reducing industrial emissions. Despite recognizing the benefits of secondary aluminium production, the organization highlights the insufficiency of scrap supplies, indicating a greater need for primary aluminium production.

The BlueGreen Alliance unites labour unions and environmental organizations to solve today’s environmental challenges in ways that create and maintain quality jobs and build a clean, thriving, and equitable economy.

The BlueGreen Alliance highlights that aluminium is crucial in expanding clean technologies such as solar panels and electric vehicles. According to recent research cited by the nonprofit, the demand for aluminium from U.S. solar power alone is projected to surpass the current domestic production of aluminium for all purposes by 2035.

Unfortunately, primary aluminium production in the United States has been declining, with only five primary smelters currently operating. This decline has led to an increase in more polluting production overseas. The organization points out that China, which now dominates global aluminium production, generates approximately 65 per cent more emissions than U.S.-based production.

Ben Beachy, the Vice President of Manufacturing and Industrial Policy at BlueGreen Alliance, "As solar panels and electric vehicles spur rising demand for aluminium, we cannot depend on high-polluting aluminium production overseas that undercuts the climate goals we seek."

The decrease in primary aluminium production in the United States has been accompanied by a notable increase in secondary production methods that utilize scrap materials. This shift has resulted in significant reductions in energy consumption and emissions.