Like many large businesses today, aluminum producer and recycler Novelis is making an effort to cut its carbon emissions.

To help achieve that goal, Novelis is joining with Alabama Power in a decarbonization effort.

Novelis will first concentrate on its new plant in Bay Minette, which it hopes to have carbon neutral for scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions. The plant is meant to help meet the growing demand for more sustainable beverage packaging and will also support the automotive industry throughout North America by increasing electric vehicle production.

“At Novelis, we believe that strong partnerships like this are critical to advancing our commitment to the environment, the economy and the communities in which we operate,” said Suzanne Lindsay-Walker, Novelis’ vice president of sustainability. “Partnering with Southern Company and Alabama Power on renewable energy solutions, such as solar power, and exploring new technologies for carbon reduction will help us as we seek to meet our goals to reduce carbon emissions by 30% by 2026 and be carbon neutral by 2050 or sooner.”

By taking part in Alabama Power’s Renewable Subscription Program, Novelis will support the creation of two 80-megawatt solar power generation plants that will provide more than half of the Bay Minette facility’s renewable energy needs while avoiding 192 kilotons of CO2 emissions per year, the company said.

“The future of clean energy depends on unlocking these types of partnerships,” said Chris Cummiskey, executive vice president and chief commercial and customer solutions officer for Southern Co. “Whether it’s with new or existing companies, finding ways for Novelis and Southern Company to mutually identify and test innovative technologies will be key to advancing the availability of renewable power and reaching our respective decarbonization goals.”

The two companies are also working together to advance technologies to reduce Novelis’ Scope 1 carbon emissions. This includes hydrogen fuels, carbon capture, energy storage, and electrification of thermal processes.

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.