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Unearthing potentials for decarbonizing the U.S. aluminum cycle.

Gang Liu¹, Colton E Bangs, Daniel B Müller

¹Industrial Ecology Programme and Department of Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, SP Andersens vei 5, 7491 Trondheim, Norway.

Environmental Science & Technology

|October 6, 2011

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Maximizing aluminum recycling through 100% old scrap collection and utilizing low-emission energy sources offers significant greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction potential, surpassing technological improvements for the U.S. aluminum industry.

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Simultaneous Multi-surface Anodizations and Stair-like Reverse Biases Detachment of Anodic Aluminum Oxides in Sulfuric and Oxalic Acid Electrolyte

Simultaneous Multi-surface Anodizations and Stair-like Reverse Biases Detachment of Anodic Aluminum Oxides in Sulfuric and Oxalic Acid Electrolyte

Published on: October 5, 2017

Area of Science:

Environmental Science
Materials Science
Industrial Ecology

Background:

Global aluminum demand is projected to triple by 2050, coinciding with critical greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction targets.
The U.S. aluminum sector faces challenges due to increasing reliance on imported aluminum and a growing in-use stock, limiting current recycling and emission savings.

Purpose of the Study:

To systematically explore and quantify mitigation strategies for the U.S. aluminum cycle's GHG emissions.
To analyze the impact of in-use stock development on future recycling potential and emission reduction.

Main Methods:

Development of a dynamic material flow model to simulate U.S. aluminum stocks, flows, and associated GHG emissions.
Quantification of theoretical and realistic emission reduction potentials from various strategies, including recycling and energy sources.

Main Results:

In 2006, the U.S. aluminum cycle emitted 38 Mt CO(2)-equivalence.
Recycling potentials from "100% old scrap collection" and "low emission energy" significantly exceed process technology potentials.
A stock saturation scenario dramatically alters mitigation priorities by increasing old scrap availability.

Conclusions:

Effective aluminum recycling and the use of low-emission energy are crucial for substantial GHG emission mitigation in the U.S. aluminum industry.
Future in-use stock development will critically influence the industry's ability to achieve significant emission reductions.