Portland aluminium smelter encouraged by ALP's RET exclusion pledge

The operator of the Portland aluminium smelter has applauded the Federal Opposition's move to exclude the sector from Renewable Energy Target (RET) negotiations.

The Federal Government and Labor are in negotiations over the future of the 20 per cent by 2020 renewable target.

Aluminium smelters are already partially exempt from the target but the Opposition has agreed to fully exempt the sector from the RET.

The Portland facility employs more than 500 people and exports more than $500 million worth of aluminium to Asia annually.

Operator Alcoa says the target significantly impacts its international competitiveness.

Australian Aluminium Council executive director Miles Prosser says it is a major breakthrough.

"The RET cost would be a very significant part of their future cost structure and they'd be looking to manage that as best they can," he said.

He says the RET costs Portland Aluminium millions of dollars annually.

"Those sort of levels, it's enough to threaten the viability of those facilities," he said.

Portland Aluminium uses about 8 per cent of Victoria's total electricity.

Copyright and Exemption Declaration :¢ÙAll articles, pictures and videos that are marked with "China Aluminum Network" on this website are copyright and belong to China Aluminium Network (www.alu.com.cn). When transshipment, any media, website or individual must list the source from "China Aluminium Network (www.alu.com.cn)". We seek legal actions against anyone that disobey this. ¢ÚArticles that marked as copy from others are for transferring more information to readers, do not represent or endorse their opinions or accuracy and reliability. When other media, website or individuals copy from our website, must keep the source. Anyone that changes the articles' sources will hold the responsibilities for copyright and law problems. We also seek legal actions against anyone that disobey this. ¢ÛIf any articles copied by our website concern the copyright and other problems, please contact us within one week.