World’s leading primary aluminium producer outlines new ratios.

A new Green Energy Plan, jointly issued by the National Energy Administration, the National Development and Reform Commission, and the National Data Administration outlines targets for clean energy use in most of its provinces to be implemented this year. The target stipulates a ratio between total local electricity consumption and renewable energy at the provincial level for primary aluminium production in the country. 

This action plan is in line with China's energy-saving and carbon emission reduction roadmap. China dominates the world aluminium market, producing more than 60% of primary aluminium and over 55% of alumina, the main feedstock of primary aluminium production. The process of extracting aluminium is highly energy-intensive due to the electrolysis process, requiring approximately 70GJ/t of aluminium produced. As the Chinese domestic aluminium sector's energy consumption and carbon emission account for over 70% of the total of the country's non-ferrous metal industry, these plans show a real commitment to reducing carbon emissions. 

Shandong province, China's primary aluminium producer, has set a 21% renewable energy target for aluminium production, while Inner Mongolia has a target of 29%. Yunnan province, China's hub for hydroelectric-powered aluminium production has set a target of 70%, a reflection of China's strategy towards increasing the proportion of green electricity consumption in the electrolytic aluminium industry.

As international standards and regulations around emissions grow stricter in alignment with Net Zero Emissions by 2050 (NZE) Scenario, which outlines a requirement of almost 4% global average direct emissions intensity reduction to reach the target, added international pressure is placed on China as the leading aluminium and alumina producer to reduce its the world's direct industrial CO₂ emissions. China, consequently, is responding to this with carbon emission controls as it aims for a 2030 peak expected to come into effect during the 2026-2030 five-year plan period.