Can America smelt again? The power challenge of building new greenfield aluminium capacity

The U.S. aluminium industry faces a critical challenge as domestic production has declined significantly over the past decade due to rising energy costs and ageing infrastructure. By 2040, America will import approximately 90% of its aluminium demand unless new greenfield smelting capacity is developed. Wood Mackenzie's analysis examines the required power rates for new smelters to be viable, or how much the Midwest premium must increase by under current power rates. While Century Aluminium and Emirates Global Aluminium have announced ambitious smelter projects, success hinges on securing competitive power agreements and substantial government support through subsidies and strategic policies.