Environmental Impact Analysis of Primary Aluminium Production at Country Level

Abstract

Aim of this paper is to quantify and compare the environmental impact of primary aluminium production for the 29 major countries active in the primary aluminium value chain. The technology mix, electricity mix and heat mix vary a lot between countries. Different countries produce aluminium with different technologies, which can be translated into specific energy requirements and process efficiencies as well as different electricity inputs which is the main reason why the impact per unit mass is geographically dependent. The analysis illustrates this large difference among countries. A Life Cycle Assessment study was performed for comparison and comprehensive reasons based on two impact assessment methods; one at endpoint level and one using a midpoint indicator. Taking into account the production volumes for the year of 2012, the environmental impact caused by this sector is discussed. Moreover, a detailed view per country, analysing its specific dominant impact factors, is presented.