Energy and materials requirements of primary aluminium production in the U.K.

Abstract

This paper calculates both the energy and raw materials requirements of aluminium production in the United Kingdom in 1976, tracing the production sequence from raw materials in the ground through to ingot. The gross energy requirement for the production of primary aluminium ingot is shown to be 308.31 MJ/kg and a detailed breakdown by fuel type and contributing operation is given. The calculations are based almost entirely on data collected directly from the relevant industries.