Alejandro Barrios Mendoza’s Post

Aluminum is a vital material used in everything from airplanes to soda cans. However, its production process, particularly in smelters, is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. This is because traditional smelting relies on coal-fired power plants to generate the immense amount of energy needed to separate aluminum from its ore. So, how do we decarbonize aluminum production? There are several promising approaches, but each comes with its own limitations: 1. Switching to renewable energy: Replacing fossil fuels with solar, wind, or hydro power is a crucial step. However, ensuring a consistent and reliable supply of renewable energy to power smelters 24/7 can be challenging, especially in regions with limited renewable resources. **2. Utilizing electrolysis with inert anodes: This eliminates the emissions associated with traditional carbon anode consumption. However, the technology is still under development and requires significant investment for widespread adoption. Already started as ELYSIS’ inert anode technology, at Rio Tinto’s Alma smelter in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, Quebec **3. Exploring direct carbon capture and storage (CCS): Capturing the carbon emissions from smelters and storing them underground could significantly reduce their environmental impact. However, CCS technology is also in its early stages and faces concerns about cost and long-term storage security. **4. Investing in aluminum recycling: Recycling existing aluminum requires significantly less energy than producing it from scratch. However, increasing recycling rates requires robust infrastructure and consumer behavior changes. The limitations are real: transitioning to low-carbon aluminum production is complex and requires collaboration between governments, industries, and consumers. But the urgency to address climate change demands innovation and investment in these areas. Here are some key takeaways: Decarbonizing aluminum production is essential for a sustainable future. Several promising technologies exist, but each faces limitations. A multi-pronged approach combining renewable energy, technological advancements, and recycling is crucial. What are your thoughts on decarbonizing the aluminum industry? Share your ideas in the comments below!

Another amazing partnership in the Battery Material space! ♻️ Great to see two of the biggest names in their respective fields, 6K Energy and Aqua Metals, Inc. coming together to kick off North America’s First Sustainable Lithium Battery Supply Chain 🤝 Collaborations like this ease the pressure on US lithium battery manufacturing requirements, which are expected to grow to nearly one terawatt-hour by 2030.📈 This first-of-its-kind collaboration addresses the escalating demand for recycling manufacturing scrap and end-of-life batteries, and firmly positions the companies at the forefront of the movement towards a sustainable, resilient, and economically viable battery manufacturing ecosystem in the US. 🔋 They may be the first, but I'm confident they wont be the last. #battery #collaboration #supplychain #lithium #6K #recycle

Landfill & Waste Management Mining with Renewable Energy and Biofuel

Could the sea bed be the next frontier for sustainable battery metals? This company thinks so. Could the deep see be the answer to finding the metals that we need to produce batteries and other renewable energy products? This company thinks so...

Shifting to wood pellet fuel is a strategic move for companies seeking #sustainableenergy solutions. With costs significantly lower than fossil fuels and a #carbonemission rate 1/10th of oil, wood pellets offer a high energy conversion rate of 80%. Growing adoption in #residential and #industrial applications, supported by technological innovations, positions this market for substantial growth. #AMR #RenewableEnergy #WoodPellets #SustainableFuel #GreenEnergy #EcoFriendly #EnergyEfficiency #CarbonReduction #MarketGrowth #Innovation #Sustainability  https://lnkd.in/e4DM4hnJ

Microwave-assisted catalytic pyrolysis (MACP) efficiently converts solid digestate into valuable bio-oil and biochar. Using K3PO4 as a catalyst at 500°C yields high aromatic hydrocarbons in bio-oil and enhances biochar's surface area, offering a sustainable approach to waste management and renewable energy production. https://buff.ly/3YEodAZ #Biochar #Pyrolysis #CarbonCapture

Very interesting. As a waste management pathway, pyrolysis with products energy recovery char for sequestration has GOT to be a better way to go than just EFW via incineration.

As the world zeroes in on alternative energy sources and products that can deliver power and performance, there are advances that could sway even the most hardened skeptic. But challenges remain—tough challenges. #maritime #shipsandshipping #alternativefuels #propulsion #decarbonization

The last of our Payne Institute for Public Policy comprehensive, peer reviewed deep dives on industrial #decarbonization has dropped! From our team of decarbonization expert researchers Jinsoo Kim, Benjamin Sovacool, Director Morgan Bazilian, Steve Griffiths, and Minyoung Yang. This follows work on sectors like #cement, #steel, #ceramics, #chemicals, #hydrogen, #CCUS, etc. This looks at #material and #resource efficiency. https://lnkd.in/dBuMw8vP