ITOCHU Corporation and Emirates Global Aluminium to Supply Solar-Powered Aluminum Raw Materials to Kobe Steel

ITOCHU Corporation and Emirates Global Aluminium have agreed to sell environmentally friendly raw materials for aluminum produced using solar power to Kobe Steel, Ltd. This is the first agreement for the procurement of aluminum produced using solar power in Japan. The partnership aims to reduce carbon emissions in the industry and contribute to a sustainable society. Aluminum is essential for a sustainable society due to its light weight and recyclability, but the smelting process consumes a significant amount of electricity.

Key Takeaways:

ITOCHU Corporation and Emirates Global Aluminium have agreed to sell solar-powered aluminum raw materials to Kobe Steel, Ltd. in Japan, marking the first procurement of solar-powered aluminum in the country.
EGA has been operating a stable aluminum smelting business using thermal power from natural gas in the UAE and has started procuring electricity from solar power generation facilities.
Kobe Steel aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and has been reducing CO2 emissions in its value chains.
ITOCHU included "enhancing our contribution to and engagement with the SDGs through business activities" in its Medium-term Management Plan, reflecting its commitment to sustainability.
The partnership aims to contribute to reducing the carbon emissions of the entire industry by selling solar-powered aluminum raw materials to users in Japan.
EGA has been supplying power to the automobile industry and has now begun to supply solar-powered aluminum raw materials.
The partnership highlights the growing importance of sustainability in the aluminum industry, particularly in the transportation machinery and construction industries.

Statistics:

2021: Kobe Steel announced its plan to take on the challenge of carbon neutrality.
2050: Kobe Steel aims to achieve carbon neutrality.
2017: ITOCHU included "enhancing our contribution to and engagement with the SDGs through business activities" in its Medium-term Management Plan.

Sources:

ITOCHU Corporation News Release, December 19