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Aluminum Stock and Flows in U.S. Passenger Vehicles and Implications for Energy Use

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  • Lynette Cheah
  • John Heywood
  • Randolph Kirchain

Abstract

In this article, a methodology to model the annual stock and flows of aluminum in a key end‐use sector in the United States—passenger vehicles—from 1975–2035 is described. This dynamic material flow model has enabled analysis of the corresponding energy embodied in automotive aluminum as well as the cumulative aluminum production energy demand. The former was found to be significant at 2.6 × 109 gigajoules (GJ) in year 2008 under baseline assumptions. From 2008–2035, the cumulative energy required to produce aluminum to be used in vehicles is estimated at 7.8 × 109 GJ. Although the automotive aluminum stock is expected to increase by 1.8 times by 2035, the corresponding energy embodied is not expected to grow as rapidly due to efficiency improvements in aluminum processing over time. The model's robustness was tested by checking the sensitivity of the results to variations in key input assumptions, including future vehicle sales, lifetimes, and scrap recovery. Sensitivity of energy embodied in automotive aluminum to changes in aluminum production efficiency and aluminum applications within the vehicle were also explored. Using more recycled aluminum or improving the energy efficiency of aluminum production at a faster rate can lower production energy demands. However, aggressive and sustained changes are needed beginning today to achieve meaningful reductions. This may potentially be countered by increased use of stamped aluminum in vehicles.

Suggested Citation

  • Lynette Cheah & John Heywood & Randolph Kirchain, 2009. "Aluminum Stock and Flows in U.S. Passenger Vehicles and Implications for Energy Use," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 13(5), pages 718-734, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:inecol:v:13:y:2009:i:5:p:718-734
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-9290.2009.00176.x
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    Cited by:

    1. Mahdi Salehi & Seyed Hamed Fahimifard & Grzegorz Zimon & Andrzej Bujak & Adam Sadowski, 2022. "The Effect of CO 2 Gas Emissions on the Market Value, Price and Shares Returns," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(23), pages 1-17, December.
    2. González Palencia, Juan C. & Furubayashi, Takaaki & Nakata, Toshihiko, 2014. "Techno-economic assessment of lightweight and zero emission vehicles deployment in the passenger car fleet of developing countries," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 123(C), pages 129-142.
    3. Liao, Wenjie & Heijungs, Reinout & Huppes, Gjalt, 2012. "Thermodynamic analysis of human–environment systems: A review focused on industrial ecology," Ecological Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 228(C), pages 76-88.
    4. Shen, Angxing & Zhang, Jihong, 2024. "Technologies for CO2 emission reduction and low-carbon development in primary aluminum industry in China: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 189(PA).
    5. Nate P. Hua & Jarod C. Kelly & Geoffrey M. Lewis & Gregory A. Keoleian, 2022. "Regional analysis of aluminum and steel flows into the American automotive industry," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 26(4), pages 1318-1332, August.
    6. Cao, Zhi & Shen, Lei & Liu, Litao & Zhao, Jianan & Zhong, Shuai & Kong, Hanxiao & Sun, Yanzhi, 2017. "Estimating the in-use cement stock in China: 1920–2013," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 122(C), pages 21-31.
    7. Luis Gabriel Carmona & Kai Whiting & Helmut Haberl & Tânia Sousa, 2021. "The use of steel in the United Kingdom's transport sector: A stock–flow–service nexus case study," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 25(1), pages 125-143, February.
    8. Ester Van der Voet & Lauran Van Oers & Miranda Verboon & Koen Kuipers, 2019. "Environmental Implications of Future Demand Scenarios for Metals: Methodology and Application to the Case of Seven Major Metals," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 23(1), pages 141-155, February.
    9. Buchner, Hanno & Laner, David & Rechberger, Helmut & Fellner, Johann, 2014. "In-depth analysis of aluminum flows in Austria as a basis to increase resource efficiency," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 93(C), pages 112-123.
    10. González Palencia, Juan C. & Furubayashi, Takaaki & Nakata, Toshihiko, 2012. "Energy use and CO2 emissions reduction potential in passenger car fleet using zero emission vehicles and lightweight materials," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 48(1), pages 548-565.
    11. Mathieux, Fabrice & Brissaud, Daniel, 2010. "End-of-life product-specific material flow analysis. Application to aluminum coming from end-of-life commercial vehicles in Europe," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 55(2), pages 92-105.
    12. Huang, Chu-Long & Vause, Jonathan & Ma, Hwong-Wen & Yu, Chang-Ping, 2012. "Using material/substance flow analysis to support sustainable development assessment: A literature review and outlook," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 68(C), pages 104-116.

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