LONDON (Reuters) - Soaring electricity prices in Europe have triggered cuts in energy-intensive production of aluminium.
Out of Europe’s total aluminium capacity of 4.5 million tonnes, Bank of America reckons about 650,000 tonnes have been cut so far while CRU estimates 729,000 tonnes.
Below is a list of the smelters that have lowered production.
Source: Company announcements, CRU, Bank of America
The metals producer reached a deal in December to end aluminium production from its San Ciprian facility in Spain for two years. The smelter’s annual capacity is 228,000 tonnes.
The Dutch aluminium smelter in Delfzijl reduced output in October. Its annual capacity is 150,000 tonnes.
The Romanian metals producer is set to cut output by 60% in a first phase. Its annual capacity is 283,000 tonnes.
The 285,000-tonne-per year Dunkirk smelter in France said it would reduce output by 15%.
The Slovalco smelter will cut production to around 60% of its output or about 70,000 tonnes of aluminium.
The company lowered production from its Slovenian smelter to a third from November 1. It produced 114,581 tonnes in 2021, according to Talum.
The Germany-based metals producer cut production of aluminium by 30% at its facilities in Essen, Hamburg and Voerde.
The Essen and Hamburg operations produce 165,000 tonnes and 135,000 tonnes of aluminium per year respectively and the Voerde facility has capacity to produce 95,000 tonnes.
The KAP smelter in Montenegro gradually reduced output from Dec. 15. It has cut about 35,000 tonnes.