Novelis boosts energy efficiency in aluminium recycling

Aluminium manufacturer Novelis and engineering firm Fives have successfully modernised three aluminium melting furnaces at the Novelis site in Voerde. Energy-efficient burners have enabled a reduction in the carbon footprint of more than 40 per cent, as well as a significant reduction in gas consumption.

Novelis and Fives have completed the modernisation of three secondary aluminium smelting furnaces at the Novelis site in Voerde, Germany. According to Novelis, this joint project is an important step towards the decarbonisation of industrial processes and underlines both companies’ shared commitment to sustainability and innovation.

High-performance combustion technology promotes sustainability

Working closely together, Novelis and Fives have modernised three existing smelting furnaces at the Novelis plant in Voerde using Fives’ regenerative ‘North American’ technology. The North American TwinBed II burners manufactured by Fives are renowned for their energy efficiency, low emissions and robust design. From design and planning through to commissioning, the project was managed entirely by the teams at Fives North American Combustion, based in Bilbao, Spain.
The final furnace was recently commissioned, resulting in a reduction in the carbon footprint of over 40 per cent, measured in terms of gas consumption compared with the figures recorded at the Voerde foundry prior to the modernisation in mid-2023.
“Sustainability is at the heart of Novelis’ business model,” said Emilio Braghi, Executive Vice President and President of Novelis Europe. “With our corporate vision, Novelis 3×30, we have set ourselves ambitious targets to drive forward the circular economy and decarbonisation by 2030. The modernisation of our three melting furnaces represents a practical step forward in reducing our environmental footprint and improving operational efficiency.”
Source: Novelis