Novelis Commissions First Electric Pusher Furnace at Sierre Aluminum Plant
Aluminum | 2026-06-15 07:42:06
In addition, the upgrade is projected to lower overall energy consumption by around 25%.
By Paul Ploumis
SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Leading aluminum producer Novelis Inc. has successfully commissioned its first electric pusher furnace at its Sierre manufacturing facility in Switzerland. This marks a significant step forward in advancing the company’s long-term decarbonization goals.
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The newly installed electric pusher furnace is used to heat aluminum ingots before they enter the rolling process. The replacement of the previous natural gas-fired system with electricity sourced from Switzerland’s relatively low-carbon power grid is expected to reduce the company’s annual greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 4,500 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent. In addition, the upgrade is projected to lower overall energy consumption by around 25%.
According to Serge Gaudin, Plant Manager of Sierre and Director of Recycling Plants for Novelis in Europe, the project supports the company’s ambition to achieve carbon-neutral operations at the facility, in line with its broader 3×30 decarbonization strategy.
The electric furnace concept emerged from the Net Zero Lab Valais, a collaborative project launched in 2022 by Novelis, energy distributor OIKEN, HES-SO Valais-Wallis, and EPFL.
Novelis plans to potentially deploy similar technologies across its global manufacturing network.
POLL
What is the biggest benefit of Novelis' electric furnace project?
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the significance of the new electric pusher furnace?
It marks Novelis' first deployment of an electric pusher furnace and supports the company's long-term decarbonization strategy.
- How much will the project reduce emissions?
Novelis expects the furnace to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 4,500 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent annually.
- What impact will it have on energy consumption?
The upgrade is projected to lower overall energy consumption by around 25% compared to the previous natural gas-fired system.
