Novelis Inc., a leader in sustainable aluminium solutions and the global front-runner in aluminium rolling and recycling, has teamed up with Southern Company to embark on an ambitious journey towards decarbonization. Their initial focal point is Novelis’ state-of-the-art facility in Bay Minette, Alabama, set to become carbon neutral for scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions. This plant, currently in construction, will cater to the surging demand for eco-friendly beverage packaging and bolster the North American automotive sector, especially in the realm of electric vehicle production.
Novelis is set to collaborate with Southern Company’s subsidiary, Alabama Power, to furnish the Bay Minette project with renewable energy, thus curbing scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions. Through their involvement in Alabama Power’s Renewable Subscription Program, Novelis will directly facilitate the establishment of two spanking new 80-megawatt solar power generation units in Alabama. These solar facilities will provide more than half of the Bay Minette facility’s renewable energy requirements while averting a staggering 192 kilotons of CO2 emissions annually.
In addition to these endeavors, Novelis and Southern Company will pool their resources to pioneer cutting-edge technologies aimed at reducing Novelis’ Scope 1 carbon emissions. This includes exploring hydrogen fuels, carbon capture, energy storage, and the electrification of thermal processes. Collaboratively, Novelis and Southern Company’s corporate venture and research and development teams are actively researching projects for the Bay Minette plant, as well as other Novelis sites scattered across North America.
Suzanne Lindsay-Walker, Novelis’ Vice President of Sustainability, emphasized the significance of this collaboration in a press release.
“At Novelis, we believe that strong partnerships like this are critical to advancing our commitment to the environment, the economy, and the communities in which we operate. Partnering with Southern Company and Alabama Power on renewable energy solutions, such as solar power, and exploring new technologies for carbon reduction will help us as we seek to meet our goals to reduce carbon emissions by 30% by 2026 and be carbon neutral by 2050 or sooner.”
Chris Cummiskey, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial and Customer Solutions Officer for Southern Company Services, underscored the importance of these partnerships in shaping the future of clean energy.
“The future of clean energy depends on unlocking these types of partnerships. Whether it’s with new or existing companies, finding ways for Novelis and Southern Company to mutually identify and test innovative technologies will be key to advancing the availability of renewable power and reaching our respective decarbonization goals.”
