Canada Invests in Improving Energy Efficiency in Canadian Aluminum Sector

Improvements in energy efficiency are critical to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. It helps businesses increase their competitiveness while contributing to a cleaner environment. The Government of Canada is investing in building a low-emissions energy future to provide a healthier planet for future generations.

The Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., Minister of Natural Resources, today announced a $40,000 investment to Alcoa Canada for an energy information system to enable the aluminum producer to reduce energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions at its Deschambault aluminum smelter.

Alcoa, together with Quebec natural gas distributer Énergir, also contributed to the project to bring the total investment to $350,000. The funding enabled the Deschambault smelter to obtain their ISO 50001:2018 Certification, a standard certification for energy management. With this standard, the smelter commits to reducing its impact on the climate, conserving energy resources and improving its results through the efficient management of all forms of energy

Federal funding is provided by the Energy Efficiency for Industry Program, which offers financial assistance to help fund Canadian industrial facilities’ energy management projects.

Acquired by Alcoa in 1998, the Deschambault facility has been in operation since 1992. It houses the Aluminum Centre of Excellence, a training hub and a centre for the development, transfer and standardization of best practices in manufacturing management.

The government supports green infrastructure projects that create good jobs and support Canada’s low-emissions future. Improving energy efficiency in Canada’s industrial sector is a key part of Canada’s efforts to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.