Assan Alüminyum, a global leader in aluminium production, has expanded its renewable energy capacity with the acquisition of a 10 MWp solar power plant in Karaman, Turkey. Covering an area of 11.37 hectares, the plant acquisition is a key step in Assan Alüminyum’s mission to lower its carbon emissions and promote a sustainable future. The investment aligns closely with the company’s Decarbonisation Roadmap, a comprehensive strategy unveiled to help achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
The addition of this solar power plant will help Assan Alüminyum offset its Scope 2 market-based emissions, aiding its shift towards renewable energy reliance and a reduced carbon footprint. The company’s General Manager, Göksal Güngör, underscored the importance of this milestone, stating, “With this solar power plant, we are taking another important step toward increasing our renewable energy portfolio and reducing our carbon emissions. Our mission is to ‘produce the future without wasting it,’ and this acquisition reflects our commitment to lowering our carbon intensity, therefore contributing to a circular economy.”
The solar plant marks the latest addition to Assan Alüminyum’s renewable energy initiatives, which already include a hydroelectric facility in Manavgat. This hydroelectric plant supplies a volume of clean energy that closely matches the company’s total annual electricity consumption, playing a crucial role in balancing its energy needs and supporting sustainability targets. By diversifying its energy sources and engaging in renewable energy projects, Assan Alüminyum can more effectively reduce its environmental impact and achieve its emission reduction goals.
In further support of its green strategy, Assan Alüminyum has also embraced energy efficiency measures to optimise its natural gas and electricity consumption across its production processes. These initiatives have been recognised globally; the company received the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) Performance Standard Certificate for its production and recycling efforts, solidifying its reputation as a sustainable leader in the aluminium sector.
Assan Alüminyum’s sustainability drive has attracted significant financial backing. Recently, the company secured $90 million in green financing from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), marking a landmark achievement as the first aluminium producer in its sector to obtain a 100% climate-labelled green loan. This financial support underscores the importance of the company’s decarbonisation efforts and its commitment to a greener future.
Alongside its green financing milestone, Assan Alüminyum has made considerable strides in renewable energy certificate initiatives, generating and purchasing International Renewable Energy Certificates (I-REC) to further offset its Scope 2 emissions. These certificates reinforce the company’s commitment to achieving net-zero targets while strengthening its position as a responsible energy consumer.
Assan Alüminyum’s sustainability focus is embedded within its broader values of reliability, flexibility, innovation, and sustainability. Through continued investment in renewable energy, energy efficiency projects, and its dedication to achieving environmental goals, the company aims to support the economy and the environment in equal measure. As part of its vision for the future, Assan Alüminyum remains committed to being a frontrunner in environmentally responsible manufacturing, setting a high standard for the industry as it progresses towards a sustainable future.
