RUSAL, one of the world’s largest aluminum producers, has achieved a historic milestone. It has successfully conducted the first-ever preheating and start-up of an aluminum reduction cell using inert anodes.
This groundbreaking aluminum electrolysis technology, which emits oxygen instead of greenhouse gases, represents a significant leap forward in sustainable aluminum production.
inert anode technology
RUSAL announced a significant achievement in scaling inert anode technology marking the first-ever preheating and industrial start-up of a reduction cell fully equipped with inert anodes. Previously, concerns about potential damage to inert anodes meant that the preheating and start-up of reduction cells were conducted using traditional carbon anodes, which were then gradually replaced with inert anodes.
This process resulted in greenhouse gas emissions during the initial operation of the reduction cells and prolonged the stabilization period of inert anode technology. By contrast, the inert anode process releases pure oxygen into the atmosphere instead of CO2.
environmental sustainability
RUSAL has eliminated the use of carbon anodes, making the aluminum electrolysis process completely carbon-free
Preheating and starting up a new reduction cell are among the most complex and critical stages in aluminum production. After years of extensive research and development, implementing inert anodes in this process became possible.
With this innovation, RUSAL has eliminated the use of carbon anodes, making the aluminum electrolysis process completely carbon-free and setting a new standard for environmental sustainability.
industrial decarbonization
“This marks another significant step towards the sustainable production of the greenest aluminum and the decarbonization of the industry,” said Alexander Gusev, Director of the Inert Anode Reduction Cell Project at RUSAL ITC.
"We will continue implementing this groundbreaking technology, setting new standards for the metallurgical industry."
green aluminum production
The industrial deployment of inert anode technology reinforces RUSAL’s unwavering commitment to 'green' aluminum production, strengthening its position as a producer of low-carbon primary aluminum in the global market.
By spearheading innovations that eliminate greenhouse gas emissions from aluminum electrolysis, RUSAL is pioneering a more sustainable metallurgical industry.