Emirates Global Aluminium and the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation have announced today the successful delivery of the first batch of low-carbon aluminum produced in the UAE, utilizing electricity generated by the Barakah nuclear power plants.
This type of low-carbon aluminum is marketed by Emirates Global Aluminium under the name “Minimal,” and it will be supplied to Canx, an aluminum extrusion company based in Egypt. Canx thus becomes the first recipient of “Minimal” aluminum, which will be used in manufacturing advanced products for infrastructure, solar energy, transportation, and architectural applications.
This new offering from Emirates Global Aluminium elevates the UAE’s position as a reliable supplier of low-carbon industrial materials in global markets while also expanding the portfolio of low-carbon metals available to its domestic and international clients.
Mohammed Al Hamadi, Managing Director and CEO of the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation, highlighted that this achievement emphasizes the pivotal role of nuclear energy in enhancing energy security in the UAE, alongside supporting the nation’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions in the industrial sector. He pointed out that Barakah plants provide continuous clean electricity for energy-intensive sectors like aluminum production, contributing to the establishment of a carbon-free economy and fostering long-term sustainable benefits.
Abdul Nasser bin Kalban, CEO of Emirates Global Aluminium, noted the rapidly increasing demand for low-carbon aluminum, which is expected to triple by 2040. He reaffirmed their commitment to being a trusted partner in the future of sustainable industries through the “Minimal” product, supported by the UAE’s vision and its strategic investment in nuclear energy.
Motasem Dabboul, General Manager of Canx, confirmed the company’s dedication to sustainability at every stage of production, from raw materials to the final product. This philosophy embodies the company’s recycling model, transforming waste into valuable products. By utilizing “Minimal” aluminum, Canx amplifies this approach by minimizing embedded emissions right from the operational start.
Clean electricity is validated through the “Clean Energy Certificates” program in the UAE, employing the International Renewable Energy Certificate (I-REC) protocols to ensure traceability and reliability. The power is supplied by Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) through the national grid.
The Barakah nuclear plants generate 40 terawatt-hours of clean electricity annually, meeting approximately 25% of the UAE’s electricity needs, equivalent to the total annual energy demand of Switzerland. Additionally, the carbon-free electricity from Barakah helps reduce emissions by 22.4 million tons each year, which is akin to removing 4.6 million cars from the roads.
Emirates Global Aluminium is recognized as the first company globally to produce aluminum using solar energy, having produced 80,000 tons of “Celestial” aluminum in 2024. The company also manufactures recycled aluminum, marketed under the name “Revival,” in its facilities in the USA and Germany. Furthermore, Emirates Global Aluminium is investing in building the largest aluminum recycling plant in the UAE in the Al Taweelah area, with production expected to commence in the first half of 2026.