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ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Alcan undertook significant efforts
in 2004 to achieve greater energy efficiency, including
new investments in technology and making optimal use
of the available water from reservoirs. And, while Alcan
is already very competitive in terms of its large hydroelectric
resources, further reducing its demand for hydroelectric
power through greater efficiency helps to reduce overall
demand for electricity.
For example, in 2004, Quebec Power Operations
continued its upgrading of turbine water wheels. The
result is higher turbine performance and more electricity
produced per volume of water. Approximately CAN$450 million
has been invested to date in this turbine/alternator
upgrade program. By managing water responsibly, the
Company achieves energy gains, reduces its reliance
on external public energy resources and reinforces its
position as a responsible community partner.
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Since 1979, Alcan's Quebec Power Operations' upgrades have
increased the nominal capacity of the entire system from 1,935
MW to 2,004 MW in 2004, with plans to increase that capacity
to 2,028 MW by 2008. Furthermore, the more efficient water
wheels provide opportunities for increased power generation
beyond the nominal capacity during periods of higher than
normal precipitation. Overall, the efficiency of the water
management has increased from approximately 95% in 1993
to between 98% and 98.5% today.
At the Vaudreuil alumina plant in Quebec, Canada, projects
to reduce steam consumption resulted in first-year energy
consumption savings totalling nearly CAN$2.5 million
compared to 2003.
The International Aluminium Institute reports that primary
energy requirements per tonne of aluminum produced have decreased
by one third between 1950 and 1990 and by one third again
since 1990. Alcan has been an important contributor to this
global trend.
The broader societal challenges of rising energy demand,
which translates into higher energy prices and increases in
energy-related GHGs and other emissions, provide an opportunity
for the substitution of lightweight aluminum applications
in place of heavier materials. This is especially relevant
in transportation applications. The Product Stewardship section
of this report outlines some of the developments being made
by Alcan in this important area, as well as the importance
of aluminum recycling in reducing energy use.
Alcan historical energy consumption
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Alcan smelters
in kW-h/kg aluminum |
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| 2004 |
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14.9 |
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| 2003 |
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15.2 |
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| 2002 |
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15.1 |
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| 2001 |
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15.4 |
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| 2000 |
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15.9 |
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| 1999 |
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15.8 |
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