Prysmian, Rio Tinto to supply low-carbon aluminum for Amazon data center

• The ELYSIS inert-anode technology eliminates direct greenhouse gas emissions from the aluminum smelting process, releasing pure oxygen instead of carbon emissions
• This is the first known application of inert-anode-smelted aluminum in a data center, demonstrating carbon footprint reduction at the raw material level
• The initiative supports Amazon Web Services' 2040 net zero target, with cables to be manufactured at Prysmian's Sedalia, Missouri facility

Summary

Italian cable manufacturer Prysmian has partnered with Rio Tinto to supply low-carbon aluminum electrical cables for an Amazon data center in Ohio, marking a significant advancement in sustainable data center infrastructure.

Key Details:

The cables will utilize aluminum produced through ELYSIS "inert-anode" technology, which eliminates direct greenhouse gas emissions during the smelting process and releases pure oxygen instead. This represents the first known application of inert-anode-smelted aluminum in a data center setting.

Companies and Facilities:

• Prysmian: Manufacturing cables at its Sedalia, Missouri facility
• Rio Tinto: Supplying low-carbon aluminum through ELYSIS technology
• Amazon Web Services (AWS): Deploying the cables at its Ohio data center

Strategic Significance:

Prysmian emphasized that this initiative demonstrates how data centers can reduce their carbon footprint at the raw material level—a critical consideration as the industry faces growing scrutiny over energy consumption and environmental impact. The project aligns with Amazon's commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2040.

Background:

The collaboration builds upon a partnership between Prysmian and Rio Tinto announced in March 2026, suggesting an ongoing strategic relationship focused on sustainable materials innovation.

Market Implications:

This development highlights the increasing pressure on technology companies to address the environmental impact of data centers, particularly as AI and cloud computing drive demand for expanded infrastructure. The successful implementation could establish a new standard for sustainable data center construction and influence procurement practices across the sector.