Impact of EU climate policy on the primary aluminium production industry
29.11.2022
Question for written answer E-003860/2022
to the Commission
Rule 138
Kosma Złotowski (ECR)
As a result of climate policy, aluminium production in the European Union has become unprofitable and is increasingly being moved to third countries. In China, where about 60% of the world’s primary aluminium is currently produced, emissions are three times higher than in Europe. According to figures from European Aluminium, in the past year alone, Europe has had to shut down or halt half its production of aluminium, i.e. 1.1 million tonnes[1] of this raw material. The association has calculated that producing that amount of aluminium outside the EU has led to a 10.3‑million‑tonne increase in global carbon emissions. Experts estimate that European demand for aluminium in clean technologies alone – such as electric vehicles, solar power and electricity grids – will increase from 14 million tonnes in 2020 to 21 million tonnes in 2050.
- 1.Does the Commission intend to overhaul its climate policy, which is forcing other industries and many profitable companies – supplying crucial, strategic products – to leave the EU market?
- 2.How is the Commission supporting aluminium producers during the current energy crisis?
- 3.Aluminium is a strategically important material for the European economy because it is used to produce packaging for medicines and food, cars, and parts required for green electricity grids, among other things. When is the next review of the Critical Raw Materials[2] list planned, and is the Commission intending to class aluminium as a critical raw material as well?
Submitted: 29.11.2022