Amazon Used Lower-Carbon Aluminum in Ohio Data Center
The project uses aluminum smelted via inert anode technology to help address Scope 3 supply chain emissions.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Data Centers
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Amazon has incorporated low-carbon aluminum produced via ELYSIS technology into an Ohio data center project. The material was sourced from Rio Tinto and processed by Prysmian as part of the company's efforts to reach net-zero carbon operations by 2040.
Why it matters
By integrating materials produced with renewable power, Amazon is targeting Scope 3 emissions, which represent a significant portion of a data center's lifetime carbon footprint. This initiative reflects a broader push to decarbonize physical infrastructure supply chains.
The aluminum was produced in Quebec using hydropower and ELYSIS technology, which replaces traditional consumable carbon anodes with inert anodes to eliminate direct greenhouse gas emissions during smelting.
The players
Amazon
A global cloud computing and e-commerce leader currently expanding its data center footprint while managing large-scale carbon reduction goals.
Rio Tinto
A multinational mining and metals corporation that supplies industrial materials and develops low-carbon smelting techniques.
Prysmian
A global manufacturer of cable systems for energy and telecommunications that is pivoting its product portfolio toward sustainability-linked solutions.
The details
ELYSIS technology alters the standard smelting process by utilizing inert anodes—materials that do not oxidize—instead of traditional carbon-based ones. By switching the anode chemistry and using hydropower as the energy source, the process avoids the carbon dioxide release typical of conventional aluminum production. Wesco managed the distribution of these cables, which were manufactured by Prysmian specifically for this infrastructure project.
Timeline
2028: Deadline for Prysmian to reach its sustainability-linked revenue target.
2040: Deadline for Amazon to achieve net-zero carbon operations.
The Tech Race
This project follows the industry-wide push to reduce the embodied carbon of hyperscale data centers, a metric gaining importance alongside operational power efficiency. It aligns with Amazon's climate pledge to reach net-zero carbon operations by 2040.
This development indicates a shift in the procurement standards for large-scale digital infrastructure in the region. Over time, the adoption of these materials may scale to more facilities, influencing the supply chain for cabling and structural metals in construction projects.
The takeaway
Amazon is actively testing low-carbon supply chain alternatives to meet its long-term climate commitments. Investors and stakeholders should watch for Prysmian's progress toward its 55% sustainability-linked revenue goal by 2028 to gauge the commercial viability of these materials.
Further reading
For broader trends in infrastructure efficiency, see the latest analysis in Data Centers.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Environment+Energy Leader.
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