NYSERDA Press Releases

State Provides $180,000 to Alcan Aluminum for New Technology

Oswego – Senator James Wright announced today that the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is providing $180,000 to Alcan Aluminum Corporation for a new process control technology that will reduce Alcan's energy consumption, reduce emissions, decrease process cycle time and increase Alcan's competitiveness in the aluminum industry.

"Alcan Aluminum and other industrial customers in New York State are using NYSERDA's programs as a means of reducing their operating costs. The financial and technical incentives and energy savings are helping New York businesses maintain a competitive edge," said NYSERDA President William M. Flynn. "Governor Pataki and NYSERDA promote the idea of energy efficiency because of its link to a better environment and economy."

"The use of new energy efficient technology by companies such as Alcan is
forward thinking that will not only make them more competitive by lowering energy costs, but will also help protect the environment," said Senator Jim Wright (R, C, I - Watertown), Chairman of the Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee. "I applaud Alcan for taking the initiative to work with NYSERDA and Governor Pataki to acquire funding for this worthy project."

Alcan Aluminum of Oswego, NY produces aluminum for the food, beverage, automotive and building products industries as well as recycling scrap aluminum and used beverage cans. A large amount of heat is needed as part of their manufacturing and recycling processes. Using 22 furnaces, Alcan must heat aluminum ingots using varying temperatures. A new process control is being installed on four of the furnaces, which will manage the thermal process used in heating the aluminum ingots. The controls will hold the optimal temperature over the heating phase and maintain required heat levels, thereby consuming only the necessary amount of energy.

The project will significantly reduce gas and electric use to heat the aluminum ingots, saving Alcan nearly $190,000 in annual gas and electricity costs. The controls will also reduce annual maintenance costs by $25,000 and provide a significant reduction in greenhouse gases.

"This type of assistance is extremely valuable to industry in upstate New York. It not only helps combat high energy costs, but also benefits the environment by allowing the reduction of greenhouse gases," said Buddy Stemple, Oswego works manager for Alcan.

Alcan was awarded $180,000 for the $300,000 project under NYSERDA's Industrial Process and Productivity Program Opportunity Notice. The program's objective is to help businesses and manufacturers develop or demonstrate innovative and underutilized industrial process upgrades that can improve productivity, product yield, and product quality while also exhibiting improvement in energy efficiency, pollution mitigation or waste management.

NYSERDA, a public benefit corporation, supports research to develop and demonstrate technologies that help New York save energy and reduce emissions. NYSERDA also helps New York State businesses develop energy and environmental products, commercializing the type of high-value-added products that give New York State businesses a real chance to compete in the expanding global marketplace. In addition, NYSERDA helps New York State businesses, residents, and municipalities identify and implement cost-effective energy efficiency measures that lower operating costs and reduce environmental emissions.

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