Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) has announced its collaboration with the Heavy Industry Low-carbon Transition Cooperative Research Centre (HILT CRC) to advance research in the decarbonization of alumina refining. HILT CRC is an Australian cooperative research center that brings together industry, researchers, and government to achieve technological breakthroughs in the decarbonization of heavy industries. EGA is the first industry partner to join HILT outside of Australia.
HILT CRC is focused on decarbonizing the production of steam for digestion and calcination in alumina refining. These two processes account for a majority of greenhouse gas emissions from alumina refineries and are the most significant decarbonization challenges faced by EGA’s Al Taweelah alumina refinery. The UAE is the only country in the region with alumina refining capabilities, and EGA’s Al Taweelah alumina refinery is the only refinery in the UAE.
EGA operates aluminum smelters in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, a bauxite mine, and associated export facilities in the Republic of Guinea. The company has a long history of partnering with others on research and development and was the first aluminum producer in the Middle East to join the Aluminum Stewardship Initiative.
HILT CRC was established in June 2021 with the award of AUS$39 million of Australian government funds over ten years, adding to the investment of approximately AUS$41.6 million cash and AUS$118.4 million of in-kind contributions from its partners. The partnership between EGA and HILT CRC is aligned with EGA’s commitment to sustainability and HILT’s mission to transition heavy industries to decarbonization.