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CBAM Aluminium: embedded emissions, default values & how to cut your bill (2026)
Aluminium has the widest CBAM range of any sector. Primary (electrolytic) metal is extremely emissions-intensive because of the electricity it consumes, while secondary (recycled) metal is a small fraction of it. For CBAM, the electricity behind your aluminium is the whole story.
Primary vs secondary aluminium
Primary aluminium is made by electrolysis (the Hall-Héroult process), which draws enormous amounts of electricity. On a fossil-heavy grid its specific embedded emissions can reach ~12 tCO₂e per tonne — most of it indirect emissions from that power. Secondary aluminium, remelted from scrap, is typically under 1 tCO₂e/t.
Why the grid decides your bill
Because primary aluminium's footprint is dominated by electricity, the carbon intensity of the grid — or a verified renewable power contract — is the single biggest lever on the declared figure. The Energy and Carbon lenses in the live tour make that dependence obvious.
Default values and the mark-up
Without verified data, the EU default value applies with the same phased mark-up as other metals (10/20/30% across 2026-2028). Verified power and process data on a low-carbon smelter can lower the number substantially.
Free cost check using the official EU default values — your number in two minutes.
Run the free estimateAluminium CBAM — frequently asked
What is the CBAM SEE of primary aluminium?
Primary electrolytic aluminium is around 12 tCO₂e/t, dominated by grid electricity; recycled (secondary) aluminium is well under 1 tCO₂e/t. Both are computed live in the aluminium tour.
Does renewable electricity lower aluminium's CBAM cost?
Yes, decisively. Most of primary aluminium's footprint is indirect electricity, so verified low-carbon power cuts the declared figure sharply.
Which goods are covered under CBAM aluminium?
Aluminium goods under chapter 76 of Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2023/956, including unwrought metal and products.