Rio Tinto Aluminum could develop its own wind projects to meet its growing energy needs in the future, but the study of this solution is still “really preliminary,” says global CEO Jérôme Pécresse.
“We are considering, but it is a preliminary stage, to see if we can carry out onshore wind projects in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region which would be integrated either directly into our electricity network, or into the network of Hydro-Québec,” confirms the manager in a press scrum on Monday, on the sidelines of a speech to the Canadian Club of Montreal.
Rio Tinto plans to build a wind farm near its Chutes-des-Passes dam, but the project is still far from being confirmed, Mr. Pécresse adds. “It’s still really preliminary,” he replies. We start taking wind measurements. So, it’s really not advanced at all. »
With its network of six dams in Quebec, Rio Tinto produces the equivalent of nearly 90% of the consumption of its aluminum activities in the province. However, the multinational expects its energy needs to increase in the future.
“Our needs will grow because we aim, I would say, to gradually try to increase production a little. […] Second, if we decarbonize things like the Vaudreuil alumina refinery [qui utilise de l’énergie fossile] by electricity, our needs are clearly set to grow. »
To increase its production, Rio Tinto plans to renovate its existing hydroelectric power stations. The renovation of the Isle Maligne power station is part of the investments. The project will require investments of nearly $1 billion over several years.
Unlike a possible wind farm, the renovation of the power plants, “it’s more than just a study, we’re going to do it,” assures the manager. “It will not result in massive increases, but we can increase, I think, the production of dams by 5% to 10% by working on modernization plans,” he says.
The collaboration between Hydro-Québec and Rio Tinto could also accommodate the needs of each. Rio Tinto has the capacity to help the Hydro-Québec network during winter peak periods. “Hydro-Québec can also help us get through our peaks,” he adds.
Elysis
Rio Tinto will need more government assistance for the development of Élysis technology aimed at producing carbon-neutral aluminum, admits Mr. Pécresse. The technology is co-owned by Rio Tinto and Alcoa and has already obtained nearly $160 million in public aid.
“Probably,” he responds to whether more public money will be needed, adding that the industrialization of the technology will require significant investment.
During his speech, Mr. Pécresse also defended the government support from which the industry benefits. “This also gives me the opportunity to point out that Rio Tinto has invested more than $5.5 billion since 2018 in Canada and less than 10% comes from government support,” he defends.
In the press scrum, the leader adds that other jurisdictions are offering support to support industries and job creation. “It doesn’t shock me. I come from France where the government also has a habit of providing this kind of support. »
The big question will be whether the Élysis technology can be commercialized on a large scale. “I think we are very confident that it can work. The question: what we are trying to prove now is how we can first stabilize our ability to produce the metal under the right conditions, in a repeatable and stable manner.
“Secondly, how much is it going to cost in terms of investment and operating costs? I think that’s where we have to go step by step,” he continues.