Did you know that the World Economic Forum estimates global aluminium demand will rise by 40% by 2030? It is no secret that aluminium is becoming an unstoppable metal across industries. From transportation and construction to pharmaceutical and energy, aluminium is a formidable material. Over the years, aluminium has become irreplaceable in major renewable energy projects. From the United Kingdom and Morocco to Abu Dhabi and China, the world is turning towards the ‘green metal’ to execute prominent renewable projects. This article highlights the use and contribution of aluminium in two significant renewable projects from different renewable energy sectors worldwide.
Recyclability and efficient energy storage in the solar power sector
Aluminium is a highly sought-after material in solar power projects due to its sturdiness and excellent conductivity. The metal’s light weight also leaves room for innovation and structural modifications. The world’s largest solar power plant, Noor Solar Power Station in Morocco, leverages aluminium’s unique energy storage properties and aims to reduce *diesel dependency by 95%. Phase 1 of the solar plant began in August 2013 and was inaugurated in 2016. Phases 2 and 3 were commenced in 2018. What makes the solar power plant remarkable is its use of recycled aluminium to accomplish new heights in renewable energy generation and storage. Azelio, a renewable energy storage company, is behind the ingenious idea of recycling scrap aluminium and using it as the basis for thermal energy storage.
How is aluminium making a difference?
Considered an industry milestone, there are several positive implications of using recycled aluminium in a solar power plant of such a massive scale. It shows new pathbreaking ways of using scrap aluminium instead of relying on primary aluminium production, which is a cost and energy-intensive process. Additionally, aluminium’s use in the Noor Solar Power Station takes the industry a step closer to unveiling the energy storage capabilities of aluminium. It not only benefits the renewable energy sector but also inspires other industries to explore innovative aluminium-led technologies for efficient energy storage solutions.
Structural improvements and lightweighting in the offshore wind power project
Another significant renewable energy project is the Walney Extension Offshore Wind Farm, which provides **’green electricity’ for 600,000 homes in the UK. The offshore wind power project used hybrid covers to protect the internal pieces of the turbines. These covers were made with aluminium and 900g/m2 Panama tarpaulin fabric. The unique combination of materials made the hybrid covers lightweight and, therefore, easy to install. Additionally, the hybrid covers had a heptagonal framework, which could be installed as a whole on transitional pieces.
How is aluminium making a difference?
Aluminium is lauded for its malleability and lightweight. These properties were utilised optimally by the Walney Extension Offshore Wind Farm project. The use of aluminium for the hybrid covers led to the design of heptagonal hybrid covers. It is also an example of impressive structural innovation guided by aluminium. Thanks to aluminium, the covers were also lightweight, which made installation easy and efficient. Therefore, the trend of lightweighting using aluminium is more than a decade old. Such large-scale projects pave the way for new lightweighting technologies and innovations.
How will the world benefit from increased global demand and use of aluminium in the renewable energy sector?
A 2024 World Bank Off-Grid Solar Market Trends Report suggests that 660 million*** people will be affected by energy poverty by 2030. One billion individuals do not have access to electricity, and 1.5 billion are using unreliable energy sources. As the world shifts towards renewable energy, there is a ray of hope in efficiently tackling the energy crisis. However, renewable energy consumption should be paired with mindful energy conservation.
Aluminium is praised for playing an active role in sustainability. The increased use of aluminium in renewable energy projects can harness all the metal’s properties through process innovation. Aluminium’s high energy density is key for prolonged energy storage and conservation. Additionally, it opens doors for the development of new and superior aluminium alloys that facilitate high-end projects. The global demand for aluminium in all sectors is expected to rise in the future, and the renewable energy sector is likely to be one of the top players.
The renewable energy sector continues to drive global aluminium demand significantly. The latest industry-focused report, Global Aluminium Industry Outlook 2025, provides an in-depth analysis of aluminium consumption across various sectors, including a regional breakdown of industry trends and developments.
*Renewable Energy Magazine
** https://walneyextension.co.uk/
***World Bank