On May 30, 2024, Rio Tinto’s Tiwai Point Electrolytic Aluminum Plant in New Zealand successfully signed a series of 20-year electricity agreements with local power companies. Rio Tinto Group stated that after the signing of the power agreement, the electrolytic aluminum plant will be able to operate until at least 2044.
New Zealand Electricity Companies Meridian Energy, Contact Energy, and Mercury NZ have signed a contract with the New Zealand Electrolytic Aluminum Plant to provide a total of 572 megawatts of electricity to meet all the electricity needs of the Tiwai Point Electrolytic Aluminum Plant in New Zealand. But according to the agreement, the Tiwai Point Electrolytic Aluminum Plant in New Zealand may be required to reduce electricity consumption by up to 185MW. Two power companies have stated that renewable energy will also be incorporated into the electricity structure in the future.
Rio Tinto stated in a statement that the agreement ensures the long-term and sustainable operation of the Tiwai Point Electrolytic Aluminum Plant in New Zealand. The Tiwai Point Electrolytic Aluminum Plant in New Zealand will continue to competitively produce high-purity, low-carbon metals and receive support from a diversified portfolio of renewable electricity in the South Island of New Zealand.
Rio Tinto also stated that it has agreed to acquire a 20.64% stake in Sumitomo Chemical’s Tiwai Point Electrolytic Aluminum Plant in New Zealand at an undisclosed price. The company stated that after the completion of the transaction, the Tiwai Point Electrolytic Aluminum Plant in New Zealand and New Zealand will be 100% owned by Rio Tinto.
According to statistical data, the total built capacity of Rio Tinto’s Tiwai Point Electrolytic Aluminum Plant in New Zealand is 373000 tons, with a total production capacity of 338000 tons for the entire year of 2023. This factory is the only electrolytic aluminum plant in New Zealand, located at Tiwai Point near Bluff in Invercargill. The alumina produced by this factory is provided by alumina plants in Queensland and the Northern Territory of Australia. Approximately 90% of the aluminum products produced by the Tiwai Point electrolytic aluminum plant in New Zealand are exported to Japan.
Post time: Jun-06-2024