ANNOUNCEMENTS
This dissertation examines strategies to decarbonize India’s aluminum sector, one of the country’s most energy-intensive and emissions-intensive industries. We review the industry’s carbon footprint and growth trajectory, analyze available mitigation technologies, and explore policy and economic instruments to achieve net-zero targets. Using secondary data from industry reports, academic studies, and government sources, we model plant-level emissions and costs under various decarbonization scenarios. Case studies of leading producers (NALCO and Vedanta) illustrate on-the-ground efforts and investment plans. Key findings indicate that India’s aluminum production (≈3.6 Mt in 2019–20) emitted about 77 MtCO₂ (≈20.9 tCO₂/t) largely from coal-fired power. Transitioning to renewables (solar, wind, hydro) could abate roughly half of emissions, but would require massive investment (≈INR 2.18 lakh crore CAPEX) and elevate production costs (~60% higher). Technological paths like energy-efficiency upgrades, inert anodes, CCUS, and scrap recycling can further reduce emissions, though some (e.g. inert anodes) are still emerging. We find that strong policy support – including renewable energy procurement rules, carbon pricing, and intensity targets – is vital to make decarbonization economically feasible. The analysis concludes that while net-zero aluminum in India is costly and complex, a combination of green power adoption, efficiency improvements, and gradual technological shifts can meaningfully cut emissions. These insights align with stakeholder objectives and highlight the need for continued innovation, investment, and regulatory action.
Keywords: Decarbonization, Aluminum Industry, India, Carbon Emissions, Renewable Energy.
