Clean aluminum

US aluminum producers need cheap, clean power. That may be tough to get.

Century Aluminum and Emirates Global Aluminium want to build the nation’s first smelters in decades, but must compete with data centers for a limited power supply.

By Maria Gallucci . 30 July 2025

Two people walk in a factory — Emirates Global Aluminium plans to build a $4 billion smelter in Oklahoma. (EGA)

Clean industry

This startup turns steel and aluminum waste into usable metals

Chicago-area Sun Metalon removes gunk and grime from metal slivers normally thrown away, helping to reduce emissions from aluminum and steel production.

By Kari Lydersen . 9 June 2025
Clean industry

Chart: Global clean industry investment fell sharply in 2024

Money to clean up steel, ammonia, chemicals, and other sectors dropped by more than half compared with 2023.

By Maria Gallucci . 14 February 2025
Clean industry

Biden’s $6B bid to clean up heavy industry at risk under Trump

A federal program that aims to clean up 33 industrial facilities, from steel mills to snack plants, could face big cuts in Trump's second term.

By Maria Gallucci . 11 November 2024
Clean aluminum

Cans to car parts: Inside the complex, crucial world of aluminum recycling

Recycling aluminum involves a vast supply chain, from trash pickers to factories that melt scrap. It’s also crucial to slashing the metal’s carbon emissions.

By Maria Gallucci . 12 September 2024
Clean aluminum

A new green aluminum plant could bring jobs — and clean energy — to Kentucky

The coal-rich state wants to land the first new U.S. smelter in 45 years. But the deal won’t happen unless Kentucky can furnish lots of clean energy.

By Maria Gallucci . 10 September 2024
Clean aluminum

New Zealand has a surprising tool to boost its grid: an aluminum plant

Making aluminum requires lots of power. Rio Tinto struck a new deal to deliver demand response and boost clean energy use at its Tiwai Point smelter.

By Maria Gallucci . 7 June 2024
Clean aluminum

The first new US aluminum plant in decades plans big emissions cuts

Century Aluminum Company hopes half a billion dollars in federal funding will help it revive a dying industry — and make it less polluting.

By Maddie Stone . 7 May 2024