Technip Energies endorses IB2 technology: Paving the way for a sustainable alumina industry

Technip Energies, a global leader in industrial innovation, has announced its support for the groundbreaking IB2 technology developed by the French tech company IB2.  This innovative process has the potential to revolutionise alumina refining by making it more efficient and environmentally friendly, addressing key challenges in the aluminium industry.

Aluminium’s strategic role in the energy transition

Aluminium, celebrated for its lightweight, durable, and recyclable properties, is crucial to the shift toward greener economies. It enables lighter electric vehicles with enhanced battery range and contributes to the development of more fuel-efficient aircraft. However, meeting the increasing demand for aluminium comes with challenges—particularly in the energy-intensive and waste-generating alumina refining process. 

IB2 technology: a transformative innovation  

IB2 technology is setting a new standard in alumina refining. It efficiently processes low-g bauxite ores. This innovative method gets rid of impurities like silica, sulphur, and organic carbon, greatly enhancing the quality and value of the ores. Using IB2, 2.5 tonnes of low-grade bauxite can be upgraded into 1.7 tonnes of premium-grade bauxite with an Al/Si ratio of 13–14, far surpassing traditional high-grade benchmarks (The Al/Si ratio refers to the alumina-to-silica ratio in bauxite ore, which is a key indicator of its quality and suitability for alumina refining. A higher Al/Si ratio indicates that t bauxite contains more alumina relative to silica, making it more efficient and cost-effective to process). environmental and economic benefits of IB2 technology are signific 

• 40 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions 
• 60 per cent decrease in red mud waste 
• 80 per cent reduction in caustic soda consumption, lowering costs and minimising environmental impact 

IB2 technology also produces tobermorite, an eco-friendly by-product used in low-carbon cement production, further supporting circular economy initiatives. 

Global impact and industry potential  

Already proving its relevance on the global stage, IB2 technology addresses critical challenges in regions like China, where 80 per cent of bauxite is imported due to local resource depletion. By unlocking the potential of low-grade bauxite deposits, IB2 technology reduces dependency on imports while lowering logistical and operational costs by up to 40 per cent. The first industrial plant in Shanxi, China, is set to begin production in May 2025, with an initial capacity of 600,000 tonnes per year, scaling up to 3 million tonnes by 2028. 

Discussions with partners in Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, and India highlight the versatility and growing international adoption of this transformative technology. 

Technip Energies’ endorsement of IB2 technology  

“IB2 technology represents a strategic transformation for the alumina industry,” said Laurent Laheux, Head of Market Industries Metals and Mining at Technip Energies. “In a world of price volatility and growing environmental pressures, this innovation offers a path to more responsible and competitive production. By reducing costs, improving resource access, and lowering the environmental footprint, IB2 technology sets a new benchmark for sustainability in alumina refining, Laheux added.

Romain Girbal, co-founder of IB2, expressed his appreciation for Technip Energies’ endorsement, stating, “We are pleased to hear such strong support from a reputed expert in the field. The IB2 technology truly opens the door to a more efficient and environmentally friendly alumina industry. It is a testament to our commitment to creating innovative solutions that address the dual challenges of industrial efficiency and sustainability.”