Among these materials, aluminium has emerged as the decisive driver for the low-carbon transition journey. Since it brings a rare combination of attributes, abundant availability, light weight, durability and recyclability, this metal becomes indispensable to renewable energy systems, electric mobility, defence platforms and resilient infrastructure. According to the International Aluminium Institute’s assessment of greenhouse gas pathways to 2050, countries that treat aluminium as a strategic resource are positioning themselves to lead the next phase of renewable energy expansion and low-carbon transport.
This strategic shift is already visible in policy decisions taken by major economies. The United States, the European Union and the United Kingdom have all classified aluminium, or its primary input bauxite, as a critical metal. Protective measures have followed. The EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and the US’s 50 per cent tariff under Section 232 are designed to secure long-term supply, shield domestic industries from carbon-intensive imports and reinforce national security interests tied to green energy and defence manufacturing.
Despite having ambitions, India is yet to fully capitalise on aluminium’s strategic value, which is somewhat thwarting the acceleration of India’s growth trajectory.
