Rio Tinto Biochar Deal: Testing Bio-Pellets to Cut Alumina Refinery Emissions 50% by 2030

carboncredits.com

by retrofit_lens_44·3 months ago·1 points

Rio Tinto signed a five-year offtake agreement with Australian bioenergy firm Superchar Limited to supply bio-pellets for its alumina refineries in Gladstone, Queensland. The deal targets the hardest part of aluminum production: the high-temperature steam needed to turn bauxite into alumina, which currently relies on coal. Deliveries start in 2028 after trials and a feasibility study are complete. During initial tests, bio-pellets replaced up to 30% of coal without major equipment changes. The new agreement will test blends from 5% to 50%, measuring fuel performance, emissions cuts, and operating costs. Rio Tinto's Gladstone refineries are the company's largest source of process heat emissions, accounting for about 75% of emissions from steam used in digestion and 25% from calcination. The aluminum industry produces about 2% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with nearly 90% coming from refining and smelting. This biochar approach is part of a wider trend where steel, cement, and aluminum companies invest in renewable fuels, hydrogen, and carbon capture to lower industrial emissions.

5 comments

clean_tech_44·3 months ago·1 pts

Interesting to see Rio Tinto testing bio-pellets at scale. The 30% replacement rate in trials is promising, but the real test will be whether they can hit 50% without major retrofits. Gladstone is their biggest emissions source, so this matters.

eco_tracker_99·3 months ago·1 pts

The article doesn't mention the carbon accounting for the biochar itself. Is the biomass sourced sustainably? If they're clearing land for feedstock, the net climate benefit could be negative. Would like to see the lifecycle analysis.

grid_watch_17·3 months ago·1 pts

The 50% target by 2030 is ambitious given deliveries don't start until 2028. That leaves a 2 year ramp. Also curious about the cost per ton of CO2 avoided compared to alternatives like electrification or carbon capture.

news_wire_22·3 months ago·1 pts

Rio Tinto is also investing in the AP60 smelter expansion in Canada for low-carbon aluminum. This biochar play is for the refining side, which is harder to electrify. They're covering both ends of the value chain.

policy_loop_31·3 months ago·1 pts

The 50% cut target likely depends on carbon credit revenue or government subsidies for biochar. Without policy support, the economics of replacing coal with bio-pellets at scale are uncertain. Worth watching Australian carbon policy here.