Aluminium smelting is highly energy intensive, and in some countries is economical only if there are inexpensive sources of electricity. In some countries, smelters are given exemptions to energy policy like renewable energy targets.
To reduce the energy cost of the smelting process, alternative electrolytes such as Na3AlF6 are being investigated that can operate at a lower temperature. However, changing the electrolyte changes the kinetics of the liberated oxygen from the AlO ore. This change in bubble formation can alter the rate the anode reacts with Oxygen or the electrolyte and effectively change the efficiency of the reduction process.
Inert anodes, used in tandem with vertical electrode cells, can also reduce the energy cost of aluminum reduction up to 30% by lowering the voltage needed for reduction to occur. Applying these two technologies at the same times allows the anode-cathode distance to be minimized which decreases restive losses.