CO2 emission and mitigation potential estimations of China's primary aluminum industry

Abstract

This paper reviews the features of bauxite resources and fuels utilized in China's primary aluminum industry, which was not adequately discussed in previous studies with the existing general CO2 assessment approach. Targeted at this matter, this article develops a bottom-up calculation and scenario analysis model to estimate CO2 emissions and reduction potentials for China's primary aluminum industry. In this model, the complex structures of feedstock, technology and electric power are completely considered. CO2 emissions from alumina and aluminum production in the selected year are calculated using this model, and emissions associated with five distinct refining technologies and smelters in the six regional power grids are examined in detail. Results show that CO2 emissions of primary aluminum production in China could decrease at various extents through implementing alternative countermeasures for ore quality changes and policies adjustment in the future. It's expected that wide adoption of SBSP and IBP as well as further elimination of LSSP and SPCP have a reduction potential of 6%, which is almost equivalent to the cutting effect of SBP domination. For smelting stage, the maximum reduction potential of 20% is projected for 2020, as the current international best available value of power consumption is achieved.