Resources saving and emissions reduction of the aluminum industry in China

Abstract

Primary aluminum production has increased rapidly in China since the year 2000, gaining a 46.0% share of global production in 2014. Primary aluminum production is a process high in energy and materials consumption that also generates much waste. Investigating resource and energy savings and emission reductions in the Chinese aluminum industry is an important and urgent task. Holistic thinking is applied in deriving and analyzing the equations for energy consumption (E), materials consumption (M), and waste emissions (W). Aluminum production per unit GDP (T) is an important parameter influencing E, M, and W; and the historical value of T (including two decomposition factors of T) in China is reviewed first. Based on the equations obtained, the extent of the factors influencing E, M, and W after the year 2000 is analyzed. Then two scenarios (original scheme and recommended scheme) analysis are presented and their respective indices were forecast. From comparisons with USA and Japan, it is found that the recommended scheme can meet aluminum requirements in China if some progress is made. A macroscopic regulation and control network diagram of the aluminum industry is proposed and some parameters are derived from this diagram. From the equations based on these parameters, several ratios among these parameters are identified as the key points that need to be controlled currently in the aluminum industry. Finally, some suggestions are put forward to provide reference points for policy makers.