Low-Carbon Aluminium Produced Using Barakah Nuclear Energy

The United Arab Emirates has produced its first batch of low-carbon aluminium manufactured using electricity from the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in Abu Dhabi. The aluminium, branded MinimAL, was developed through a partnership between Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) and Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC), and has been delivered to Egypt’s Canex Aluminium. The shipment reinforces EGA’s position as a global supplier of low-carbon industrial materials at a time when demand for such products is projected to triple by 2040.

Aluminium smelting is one of the most energy-intensive industrial processes, with electricity generation accounting for roughly 60% of the industry’s greenhouse gas emissions. Nuclear energy allows for uninterrupted clean power to be used in this process, which industry leaders view as critical for decarbonising the UAE’s heavy industry while also strengthening energy security. Barakah, which began full commercial operations in September last year, generates 40 terawatt-hours of clean electricity annually - about a quarter of the country’s total demand - and prevents 22.4 million tonnes of carbon emissions each year, equivalent to removing 4.8 million cars from the road.

The clean power used for producing MinimAL is certified under the UAE’s Clean Energy Certification programme and supplied to EGA via the national grid by Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC). Canex Aluminium will use the material for products in infrastructure, solar energy, transportation, and architectural applications.