It's a double whammo, because aluminium smelting doesn't require stable current. Modern smelters can modulate their power significantly, with even multi-hour full shutdowns not being a huge problem.
Considering how energy-intensive it is, this means there is quite a big future for using aluminium smelting to soak up dirt-cheap excess renewable energy. Renewables not being stable has suddenly become a feature.
Considering how energy-intensive it is, this means there is quite a big future for using aluminium smelting to soak up dirt-cheap excess renewable energy. Renewables not being stable has suddenly become a feature.