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Aluminum
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Energy Consumption
Energy Consumption by Fuel | Fuel Consumption by End Use |
Energy Consumption by Sector | Energy Expenditures | Energy Intensity

The energy intensity of primary aluminum production has been reduced significantly over the last 20 years due to improvements made in the magnetic design of electrical conductor bus components, application of state-of-the-art computer systems for control and management of cell operators, use of alumina point feeder systems, and chemistry changes. Large, modern cells operate with a specific energy consumption of 5.9 to 6.4 kWh/lb of aluminum. The energy required to produce aluminum from scrap metal is approximately 5% of that required for primary production. [DOE 1997] The charts below, which give additional measures for aluminum production energy intensity, illustrate decreasing energy intensity over time.

Primary Aluminum Production Energy Intensity
Graph depicting Primary Aluminum Production Energy Intensity

Source: MECS 1985, 1988, 1991, 1994, 1998


* SIC 3334
** NAICS 331312

Energy Purchases for Heat and Power – 1992-2001
(Percent of Shipments)
Graph depicting Energy Purchases for Heat and Power - 1985-1999 (Percent of Shipments). Click here to view data table.

Source: DOC 1993, 1996, 2001




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