MoU signed to assess integrated aluminium production powered by firmed renewable energy, aiming to support global decarbonization efforts and India’s green manufacturing ambitions

Global mining major Rio Tinto and energy transition solutions provider AMG Metals & Materials (AMG M&M) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to jointly explore the development of a large-scale low-carbon aluminium project in India, powered entirely by renewable energy.

The collaboration aims to assess the feasibility of setting up an integrated facility comprising up to 1 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) of primary aluminium smelting and 2 Mtpa of alumina refining, driven by solar and wind power firmed with pumped hydro storage. A first-phase evaluation will focus on a 500,000 TPA aluminium smelter, strategically located to leverage India’s renewable energy potential.

The initiative aligns with both companies’ strategic priorities—accelerating industrial decarbonization while meeting the surging global demand for sustainable materials. Aluminium, a lightweight, infinitely recyclable metal, is crucial to sectors such as transportation, power, construction, and packaging, all of which are under pressure to reduce emissions.

Jérôme Pécresse, Chief Executive of Rio Tinto Aluminium, commented, “This study is an important step in our ambition to grow our global, low-carbon aluminium footprint while exploring new project delivery approaches in emerging markets. India, with its rapid economic growth and strategic location, offers a compelling opportunity to create responsibly sourced aluminium for the future.”

As part of the study, AMG M&M will develop the firmed renewable energy infrastructure in partnership with Greenko, while Rio Tinto will assess commercial alumina sourcing and smelting technology options to ensure cost-effective, sustainable operations.

Mahesh Kolli, Group President of AMG Metals & Materials and Greenko, added, “We’ve been pioneering decarbonization solutions across electricity, fuels, and chemicals. This MoU marks a significant move into sustainable materials, aiming to supply low-carbon aluminium at scale and support green supply chains globally—in auto, infrastructure, packaging and beyond.”

India currently ranks as the world’s second-largest aluminium producer and third-largest consumer, with domestic demand forecasted to double within the next decade. At present, India’s aluminium market stands at approximately 5 Mtpa, highlighting immense headroom for growth and sustainability-led innovation.

The proposed project could become a benchmark in green metals manufacturing, contributing to India’s ambition of becoming a global hub for clean energy and sustainable industrial practices.