Rio Tinto has started commissioning a 1.5 billion dollar expansion of its aluminum smelter in Quebec, Canada. The project introduces AP60 technology, which is designed to lower greenhouse gas emissions per ton of aluminum compared to standard industry methods. The expansion adds 96 new electrolytic cells, increasing the facility's annual production capacity by 160,000 tons. The project is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2026, bringing total plant output to 220,000 tons per year.
Log in to join the discussion
Rio Tinto is putting 1.5 billion into a Quebec expansion using AP60 tech. It is meant to cut emissions per ton of aluminum. Should be fully online by late 2026.
Quebec has the hydro power to support this, but I wonder about the actual energy intensity of AP60 compared to older pots. Does this expansion put a significant new load on the local transmission grid?
The term low carbon is used here, but we need to see the actual emissions delta. Is this driven by Canadian carbon pricing or a specific procurement requirement for green aluminum?
Updating industrial cells is always a massive capital hit. 1.5 billion for 160k tons of extra capacity is a steep price, but that is the cost of swapping out old tech for something cleaner.
