(from US department of energy)
Substantial energy efficiency gains have been made in the aluminum industry over the past forty years, resulting in a 58% decrease in energy utilization. However, as shown in the recently completed U.S. Energy Requirements for Aluminum Production, Historical Perspective, Theoretical Limits, and New Opportunities, room for improvement remains. Overall, the industry is operating at more than three times its theoretical minimum energy requirement. This report provides detailed appendices, statistical data, and descriptions of the fundamental chemistry as well as practical aspects of aluminum production processes. It compares current usage levels and theoretical minimum energy requirements to demonstrate that large energy saving opportunities exist.
This report provides reliable and comprehensive statistical data over the period 1960 to 2000 for the evaluation of energy trends and issues in the aluminum industry. It should be noted, however, that during the summer of 2001, the extensive heat wave in the western United States produced an increased demand for electricity. Simultaneously, the ability to generate hydroelectric power was reduced due to historically low snowpacks in the Columbia River basin and new regulations mandating the spill of water to aid migrating salmon. The combination of high electricity demand and limited water supply contributed to significant increases to the market price of electricity during this time. This price increase in the Pacific Northwest made it more economical for aluminum smelters to stop production and sell back power from their low-cost, fixed-price electric contracts to aid in minimizing the shortfall in energy supply. As a result, the majority of aluminum smelting capacity in the Pacific Northwest, representing approximately 43% of all U.S. primary aluminum capacity, shut down.
In light of the issues facing aluminum production in the Pacific Northwest. Much of the detailed statistical data for the years 2001 and 2002 are neither finalized nor available. It is currently too early to accurately assess the long-term impact of the shutdown and changing conditions on the aluminum industry. It remains to be seen whether the shutdown will lead to a permanent decline of primary metal production in the Pacific Northwest, or whether the industry will emerge robustly with additional self-generated power capacity and energy efficiency improvements. Whatever the industry’s future, it is clear that the local and global pressures to increase overall energy efficiency will determine its vitality. The energy efficiency opportunities discussed in this report are pertinent to the future of the aluminum industry.
Download the full report from here.
0 Comments:
Post a Comment