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Energy—Programs & Actions
Energy Use
We continue to pursue opportunities to reduce energy costs and usage. In Australia, the second of four gas-fired cogeneration power plants was commissioned at our Pinjarra alumina refinery in 2008, while another two power facilities have been constructed and commissioned at the Wagerup refinery. The Wagerup units are not yet operating in cogeneration mode, but have been designed to allow for this conversion when refinery steam and energy demand rises to make such a transition effective.
We are committed to reducing the energy requirements for all of our operations and will continue to develop and deploy improved energy monitoring and management systems and utilize more efficient equipment and processes when capital equipment changes are needed.
Performance data
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Alcoa Energy Efficiency Network
In 2002, we established the Alcoa Energy Efficiency Network based on an excellent partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy. The network conducts energy efficiency surveys at operating locations, identifying areas of possible improvement. The locations then agree to address certain projects and are free to disregard others. To date, this program has identified more than US$80 million in potential savings opportunities.
Renewable Energy Initiatives
We have selected solar energy as a potential renewable energy source for several of our facilities. We completed three installations in 2007 and continue to monitor data to determine the cost implications of future installations.
As a charter member of the U.S.-based Green Power Market Development Group, we purchased enough renewable energy certificates (RECs) to effectively power four of our administrative offices in the United States. These facilities are now effectively operating on electricity generated by projects that produce electricity from landfill gas, avoiding the emissions of more than 6.3 million kilograms (13.9 million pounds) of carbon dioxide annually.
We also continue to follow wind energy developments, and in some cases, we cooperate with the developers by providing land and access to the local grids through our large grid connections at operating plants.
We continue to evaluate and use biodiesel fuel to power mobile equipment. Our Brazilian facilities are also using various grades of biodiesel in baking furnaces and to power industrial vehicles. These fuels are sourced from social fuel seal holders—companies recognized by the government as producing fuels using sustainable practices.
We continue to develop hydroelectric resources where possible. We believe that the environmental and social impacts of well-designed hydroelectric systems can be minimal if the projects are properly planned and constructed. For each project, we work with the government to ensure that proper environmental and social impact studies are conducted. The systems will be designed to minimize the impacts on habitat and landowners near the reservoirs, on downstream users of the water resources, and on marine life.
Our newest smelter in Iceland, which is powered by hydroelectricity, reached full operating capacity in 2008. We also entered into significant long-term contracts for continued hydroelectric supply with the Quebec province and the state of New York through 2040.
Case Studies
Fun, Interaction Spark Interest in Energy
Boiler Technology Increases Energy Efficiency
Alcoa's Hydropower Strategy Goes with the Flow
Dross Processing System Provides Safety, Cost, Environmental Benefits
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Climate Change
Read about Alcoa’s commitment and actions regarding global climate change.
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