ELYSIS: Are We on the Verge of a Green Revolution?

Description

ELYSIS: Are We on the Verge of a Green Revolution?: Abstract

This case looks at the ELYSIS joint venture and the commercialization of its technology for eliminating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with the electrolysis process in aluminum production. Although Alcoa developed the ELYSIS process, its commercialization is the result of a partnership between aluminum producers Alcoa and Rio Tinto Aluminium (RTA). This partnership was made possible by Apple, which acted as an intermediary, and is supported by the governments of Quebec and Canada. The use of ELYSIS technology has the potential to significantly reduce GHG emissions from aluminum production and to help companies affected by new GHG emission regulations. The success of the technology, however, depends on its widespread adoption, which involves replacing a production method that is over 130 years old.

Teaching objectives

• Understand how companies are adapting to government regulations brought about by climate change;
• Analyze the effect of a new technology on an industry’s value chain, both upstream and downstream;
• Understand the conditions for the success of a new technology in a global industry;
• Understand the importance of collaboration between various players in an ecosystem to solve a global problem.

Additional information

Also available in French.

Teachers’ notes are available for university teachers only. Please contact the HEC Montréal Case Centre.