Emirates Global Aluminium has collaborated with Emirates Nuclear Energy Company to create the UAE’s initial low-carbon aluminium utilizing clean energy generated by the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, with the first delivery directed to CANEX Aluminum in Egypt.
Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), recognized as the largest manufacturer of ‘premium aluminium’ globally, has joined forces with Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC) to produce the UAE's initial low-carbon aluminium using electricity produced at the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant located in the Al Dhafra area of Abu Dhabi, as reported by Zawya.
Branded as MinimAL, Zawya announced that this low-carbon metal will be provided to CANEX Aluminum, the foremost aluminum downstream producer in Egypt. This introduction strengthens the UAE’s role as a reliable supplier of sustainable industrial materials to international markets and expands EGA’s increasing range of low-carbon products.
Approximately 60% of the greenhouse gas emissions from the global aluminium sector come from electricity generation. By utilizing consistent, clean nuclear energy from Barakah, EGA is contributing to the decarbonization of the UAE's industrial sector while addressing the increasing global demand for sustainable materials.
As reported by Zawya, Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, the CEO of EGA, mentioned that the worldwide demand for low-carbon aluminium is anticipated to increase threefold by the year 2040. “MinimAL represents our newest low-carbon offering, enabled by the UAE’s commitment to nuclear energy production,” he stated. “We are pleased to collaborate with ENEC to provide more low-carbon aluminium to the global market.”
Mohamed Al Hammadi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ENEC, expressed that the initiative illustrates how nuclear energy is enhancing the UAE's energy security while facilitating industrial decarbonisation. “With the vast amount of electricity produced at Barakah, we have realized the long-term advantages of nuclear energy to support the UAE’s low-carbon economy for many years ahead,” he stated.
CANEX Aluminum will be the pioneer in utilizing MinimAL for the production of innovative products in areas such as infrastructure, solar energy, transportation, and architecture. Managing Director Mutassem Daaboul stated: “With MinimAL, we are advancing further by decreasing embedded emissions right from the start of our process.”
The electricity utilized for production is validated by the UAE’s Clean Energy Certification program, employing International REC Standard (I-REC) protocols to ensure traceability and reliability. The power is provided by Emirates Water and Electricity Company through the national grid.
The Barakah plant generates 40 terawatt-hours of clean power each year, supplying around 25% of the UAE's electricity requirements and matching Switzerland's yearly energy consumption. This helps to prevent 22.4 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually, which is similar to taking 4.8 million vehicles off the streets.
EGA became the first company globally to manufacture aluminium utilizing solar power, producing 80,000 tonnes of its CelestiAL product in 2024. Furthermore, the company creates recycled aluminium under the RevivAL brand and is in the process of constructing the UAE's largest aluminium recycling facility in Al Taweelah, which is anticipated to start operating in the first half of 2026.