Manufacture of Aluminium
Primary aluminium smelting and secondary aluminium recycling with specific GHG emission thresholds per tonne of product.
Substantial Contribution to Climate Change Mitigation
For primary aluminium smelting, the specific GHG emissions must not exceed 1.514 tCO2e per tonne of aluminium, covering direct emissions from the electrolysis process (including anode effects and anode consumption) and indirect emissions from electricity consumption. This threshold corresponds to the EU ETS product benchmark for unwrought aluminium.
For secondary aluminium (recycling), the specific emissions must not exceed 0.525 tCO2e per tonne of aluminium, reflecting the significantly lower energy intensity of remelting compared to primary production. Emissions must be calculated and verified in accordance with the EU ETS Monitoring and Reporting Regulation (EU) 2018/2066.
BAT as defined in the Non-Ferrous Metals Industries BREF (2016) must be applied. For primary smelting, this includes use of pre-baked anodes, point-fed cells with computer-controlled alumina feeding, and anode effect suppression systems. Energy efficiency must target specific electricity consumption below 13.5 MWh/t Al for the electrolysis step. Carbon anode consumption must be minimised and perfluorocarbon (PFC) emissions must be below 0.1 tCO2e/t Al.
Substantial Contribution to Climate Change Adaptation
A CRVA in accordance with Appendix A must be performed, covering climate hazards to the smelter or recycling plant under RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 projections.
DNSH: Climate Change Adaptation
Material physical climate risks must be identified, including risks to electricity supply from hydropower variability, extreme heat impacting pot-line operations, and flooding. Adaptation solutions must be implemented for all material risks.
DNSH: Water and Marine Resources
The activity must comply with the Water Framework Directive. Cooling water and scrubber water discharge must meet BAT-AELs from the Non-Ferrous Metals BREF. Spent pot lining (SPL) leachate must be contained and treated.
DNSH: Circular Economy
Secondary aluminium production must be maximised. Dross, skimmings, and salt slag from remelting must be processed for aluminium recovery. Spent pot lining must be treated and recycled where technically feasible. Aluminium products should be designed to maintain alloy quality through recycling loops.
DNSH: Pollution Prevention and Control
The activity must comply with the Industrial Emissions Directive and Non-Ferrous Metals BREF. Fluoride emissions (gaseous and particulate) must not exceed 0.4-0.6 kg F/t Al for existing pre-bake cells. SO2 emissions must remain within BAT-AELs. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from anode baking must be minimised.