The United Arab Emirates has delivered its first batch of low-carbon aluminium produced with electricity generated entirely from the Barakah nuclear power plant, marking a major milestone in the nation’s industrial decarbonisation strategy.
Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) and the Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC) announced the achievement on Friday, highlighting how nuclear power is now being integrated into one of the country’s most energy-intensive sectors. The new product will be sold under the brand name MinimAL.
First Customer Secured
Egypt’s CANEX Aluminum has become the first buyer of the Emirati low-carbon metal. The company plans to use MinimAL in a range of high-performance applications, including infrastructure components, solar energy systems, transportation equipment, and architectural products.
EGA said the launch strengthens the UAE’s position as a competitive global supplier of low-carbon industrial materials. The company noted that electricity generation accounts for roughly 60% of greenhouse gas emissions associated with aluminium production worldwide, underscoring the significance of sourcing clean power for smelting.
Supported by Expanding Nuclear Capacity
EGA CEO Abdulnasser Bin Kalban said global demand for low-carbon aluminium is projected to triple by 2040, and the company aims to play a leading role in that growth.
“MinimAL is our latest low-carbon product, made possible through the UAE’s investment in nuclear power generation,” he said. “We are pleased to work with ENEC to supply more low-carbon aluminium to global markets.”
ENEC Managing Director and CEO Mohamed Al Hammadi said Barakah’s contribution demonstrates the dual role of nuclear energy in both enhancing national energy security and accelerating emissions reductions in heavy industry.
“With the abundant electricity generated at Barakah, we have unlocked long-term benefits that support the UAE’s low-carbon economy and provide 24/7 clean energy to sectors like aluminium production,” Al Hammadi said.
Industry Shift Toward Cleaner Materials
CANEX Aluminum Managing Director Mutassem Daaboul said MinimAL aligns with the company’s focus on sustainable manufacturing. “Our upcycling model already turns waste into value-added products. By integrating MinimAL, we are lowering embedded emissions from the very start of the process,” he said.
Since the fourth reactor at Barakah entered commercial service last year, the plant now delivers enough power to supply around 25% of the UAE’s electricity needs. According to ENEC, carbon-free energy from Barakah prevents 22.4 million tonnes of emissions annually—equivalent to removing nearly 5 million cars from the road.
The clean electricity used for MinimAL is certified through the UAE’s Clean Energy Certification programme under International REC Standard protocols. Power is routed to EGA facilities through the Emirates Water and Electricity Company and the national grid.
EGA Expanding Low-Carbon Portfolio
EGA already markets solar-powered aluminium under its CelestiAL brand and produces recycled aluminium under RevivAL at facilities in the United States and Germany. The company is also building what will be the UAE’s largest aluminium recycling plant at Al Taweelah, expected to begin operations in the first half of 2026.
