Rio Tinto has started commissioning a 1.5 billion dollar expansion of its AP60 low-carbon aluminium smelter at the Complexe Arvida site in Quebec. The project adds 96 new pots, increasing primary aluminium capacity by 160,000 tonnes per year. This expansion aims to replace production lost from older, higher-emission potlines. By the end of 2026, AP60 production is expected to reach 220,000 tonnes per year, strengthening the supply of low-carbon metals for the North American market.
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Quebec has the hydro capacity, but I wonder about the actual transmission load for another 160k tpy. Did this expansion require new line builds or just a reallocation of existing capacity?
The real story here is the premium on low-carbon aluminium. If they can prove the carbon intensity is significantly lower, they can charge a green premium that makes a 1.5 billion dollar spend actually make sense.
Replacing old potlines with new tech is the only way to move the needle on industrial emissions. The question is always the payback period on these massive capital spends.
Exactly. It is a huge bet on the long term demand for green metals. Also worth noting the mention of a recycling centre, which helps the overall circularity of the site.
