Electrification of Heat Treatment Furnaces for Sustainable Aluminum Processing

Abstract AMAG Austria Metall AG is pursuing a comprehensive decarbonization strategy to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. In this context, the company has initiated pilot projects to replace fossil-fuel-based furnace heating with CO2-free technologies. This article presents the conversion of two single-chamber heat treatment furnaces from natural gas to electric heating systems powered by renewable energy. Commissioned in July 2025, the retrofitted furnaces demonstrated stable thermal performance, meeting AMS 2750/AMS 2772 standards, and maintained highest product quality expectations. Comparative measurements revealed uncompromised temperature uniformity and energy savings of 26 % to 29 % compared to gas-fired operation. Annual CO2 emissions were reduced by approximately 100 tons per furnace, with long-term potential to cut Scope 1 emissions at the Ranshofen site by up to 40 % to 50 % compared to the current level once this technology has been broadly adopted. Despite higher electricity costs, electrification represents a crucial step toward compliance with EU climate targets. The findings provide a robust basis for scaling up sustainable furnace technologies across AMAG’s production facilities.