Mumbai, Sept. 23 -- Sectors such as power transmission, renewable energy, transportation and urban infrastructure will remain key demand drivers for aluminium.

RUSAL, the world's largest producer of low-carbon aluminium, sees India as an increasingly important aluminium market as the country accelerates investments in renewable energy, power transmission, electric mobility and urban infrastructure under its Vision 2047 roadmap.

Roman Borisov, Regional Sales Director, said the next phase of industry growth will be driven not only by demand but also by sustainability, recycling and low-carbon manufacturing. He said changing customer requirements are creating demand for high-quality and lower-carbon aluminium solutions.

Speaking on the sidelines of INNOPROM India 2026, the first edition of Russia's flagship industrial exhibition in India, he told Infrastructure Today, "Aluminium demand is being fuelled by investments in power infrastructure, renewable energy, transportation and manufacturing."

Moscow-headquartered RUSAL operates 45 facilities across five continents. In 2025, it accounted for 5.3 per cent of global aluminium production and 4.7 per cent of alumina output. That year, it acquired a 26 per cent stake in Pioneer Aluminium Industries Ltd, which runs a 1.5 million tonne alumina refinery in Andhra Pradesh, expanding its presence in India's aluminium value chain.

India's consumption grew from 3.2 million tonnes in FY2016 to 4.95 million tonnes in FY2024, yet per-capita use remains just 3.5 kg compared with a global average of 12 kg and 28 kg in China. The Ministry of Mines projects this figure rising to 5.6 kg by FY2030, 11.2 kg by FY2040 and 16.9 kg by FY2047, driven by power, transport, construction and renewable energy.

Borisov said these fundamentals create long-term opportunities for domestic and international players. "The market is now in a massive growth phase with demand largely driven by volumes."

Recycling Momentum

RUSAL believes carbon footprint is becoming an increasingly important consideration for customers, raising the relevance of lower-carbon aluminium, recycling and technologies that can reduce emissions from aluminium production. "Recycling is likely to play an important role as aluminium producers seek to reduce emissions and improve resource efficiency," Borisov said. Growth in beverage cans, he noted, is increasingly supported by recycled aluminium.

RUSAL is also investing in technologies aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of primary aluminium production. Over time, technologies such as its Inert Anode process, which can eliminate direct carbon emissions from aluminium smelting, could become relevant as Indian manufacturers and their customers look for ways to transition towards lower-carbon raw materials.

Borisov noted, however, that the adoption of new materials and technologies tends to be gradual. "The challenge lies in demonstrating clear performance, efficiency and sustainability benefits that justify change."

For RUSAL, the opportunity in India-the world's fastest-growing major economy-extends beyond rising demand. With investments in power networks, renewable energy, mobility and manufacturing, the company expects recycling, lower-carbon materials and technology to play a bigger role.

Its participation in INNOPROM in New Delhi reflected this vision, with the company showcasing its portfolio of low-carbon aluminium products, including the ALLOW brand produced using renewable hydropower.

- Manish Pant

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Infrastructure Today.