Start of construction of commercial-scale inert anode cells
Summary
ALMA, QC, June 29, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Eliminating all direct greenhouse gases from aluminium smelting has taken a major step forward today with the start of construction on the first commercial-scale prototype cells of ELYSIS inert anode technology, at Rio Tintos Alma smelter in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, Quebec.ELYSIS is a joint venture company led by Alcoa and Rio Tinto that is developing a new breakthrough technology, known as inert anode, that eliminates all direct greenhouse gases (GHGs) from the traditional smelting process and instead produces oxygen.The technology has the potential to transform the aluminium industry, with a significant reduction in its carbon footprint.The inert anode prototype cells will operate on a commercial scale typical for large modern aluminium smelters, using an electrical current of 450 kiloamperes (kA).The Honourable Francois-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry joined representatives from ELYSIS, Alcoa and Rio Tinto to mark the start of construction and announce a further $20 million financial contribution from the Government of Canada to support the project.The federal governments financial support will enable the creation of a unique commercial size inert anode technology showroom for future customers and will help develop the supply chain by involving local and regional equipment manufacturers and suppliers in the project.ELYSIS is working to complete the technology demonstration by 2024 followed by the commercialization activities. The ELYSISTM technology addresses the global trend towards producing low carbon footprint products, from mobile phones to cars, planes and building materials. This investment will foster innovation, create good jobs here in Quebec and help support the future competitiveness of Canadas aluminum industry. We are proud to have developed the carbon-free smelting process that became the basis of this joint venture, which offers tremendous opportunity to address the challenges of climate change and contribute to improved environmental performance." Rio Tinto is committed to supporting its ongoing development here in Quebec where we already use clean hydropower to deliver some of the worlds lowest carbon aluminium.