EUR 1.5 billion investment in Siberian aluminium smelter

Global producer Rusal has completed what it claims to be the world’s most advanced low-carbon aluminium plant.

The Taishet Aluminium Smelter (TaAZ), in Taishet, Siberia is said to be ‘among the greenest’ of its kind in the world, running on ‘clean’ energy from Siberian hydroelectric power plants which, together with the latest gas cleaning equipment and a closed water circulation system, has a lower impact on the environment.

TaAZ is the third low-carbon aluminium smelter to be built by Rusal, at an overall cost of more than EUR 1.5 billion. The facility has created more than 1 000 jobs locally. Once fully operational, it is expected to produce 428 000 tonnes of aluminium per year during its first phase.

The Taishet production focuses on the extrusion and rolled products segments, helping to meet the high demand for low-carbon aluminium worldwide. One quarter of the plant’s output is to serve the domestic Russian market, says the company.

‘The opening of our new low-carbon aluminium smelter in Taishet is an important milestone in Rusal’s journey to decarbonisation as we look to supply the world with low-carbon aluminium,’ says Bernard Zonneveld, chairman of the board of directors. ‘Our aluminium will have one of the lowest carbon footprints in the industry, helping to further strengthen our ties with customers who are leading the green revolution.’

Rusal accounts for about 5.8% of global aluminium production. It has offices in 20 countries across five continents. The carbon footprint of the company’s aluminium is claimed to be five times lower than the industry average.