In a bid to accelerate its journey towards carbon neutrality, Aurubis, the leading multimetal and recycling specialist, is pioneering hydrogen-powered copper production. With an ambitious commitment to reducing CO2 emissions and investing around €40 million, the company’s Hamburg plant is set to become one of the first copper smelters globally to replace natural gas with hydrogen in its anode furnaces.
This groundbreaking technology not only significantly reduces carbon emissions but also enhances process flexibility and boosts the efficient extraction of valuable raw materials, positioning Aurubis as an industry leader in the sustainable production of copper.
Aurubis is already renowned for its environmentally conscious approach, producing copper with less than half the average global carbon footprint. As part of its unwavering commitment to sustainability, the company has set ambitious targets to reduce CO2 emissions further. As part of the Science Based Targets initiative, Aurubis aims to achieve a 50% reduction in Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2030.
With a focus on embracing the hydrogen age, Aurubis is leading the charge in transitioning towards carbon neutrality. The Hamburg plant’s transformation will involve replacing natural gas with hydrogen as the reducing agent in its anode furnaces. This innovative change is expected to result in an annual reduction of at least 5,000 tons of CO2 emissions. The conversion process is scheduled for the plant’s routine maintenance shutdown in spring 2024.
Notably, the new hydrogen-powered anode furnaces offer more than just a greener approach. They also enhance process flexibility, allowing for the processing of more complex metal-bearing copper concentrates. This strategic advantage equips Aurubis to efficiently meet the rising demand for valuable raw materials driven by the electric vehicle industry and other sectors.
As a trailblazer in clean copper production, Aurubis has already demonstrated the viability of hydrogen on an industrial scale. In May 2021, the company successfully conducted a pilot project at its Hamburg plant, producing copper anodes using hydrogen instead of natural gas. This marked a significant milestone, laying the foundation for broader implementation.
Aurubis’ pursuit of this innovative project was underpinned by its internal expertise. The new anode furnace area boasts a 100% ‘Made by Aurubis’ hydrogen readiness, showcasing the company’s determination to drive real innovation in its processes.
Aurubis’ commitment to sustainability and minimizing environmental impacts has yielded remarkable results. Its copper cathodes’ carbon footprint has decreased by 36% since 2013, and the company’s plants emit over 60% less carbon than the global industry average. Moreover, in the case of tin production, Aurubis surpasses expectations, achieving an impressive 76% reduction compared to the global average. With a goal of achieving carbon-neutral production well before 2050, Aurubis is forging a path towards a greener and more sustainable future.
Aurubis’ commitment to embracing hydrogen-powered copper production represents a bold step towards a low-carbon future. By significantly reducing CO2 emissions and improving process efficiency, the company sets an inspiring example for the metal industry. As the world strives to combat climate change, Aurubis’ efforts exemplify how innovation, determination, and sustainability can redefine industrial practices, paving the way for a greener and more sustainable future.
