Alcoa and RUSNANO sign memorandum

Alcoa and the Russian Corporation of Nanotechnologies (RUSNANO) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore opportunities for applying nanotechnology in the aluminum industry.

The two companies have identified several technical and commercial areas to pursue, including offshore oil and gas drilling systems, high-efficiency power transmission, next-generation lighting, energy-efficient buildings and transportation systems, and green packaging.

The signing took place during a visit by a RUSNANO delegation to Alcoa’s New York headquarters and the Alcoa Technical Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Alcoa said in a statement that anticipates the partnership to not only contribute to the increase in the aluminum products consumption in Russia, but also assist in diversifying and innovating the Russian economy.

Anatoly Chubais, chief executive officer of RUSNANO, said: ‘Having been established in 2007, our corporation has occupied a very active position in working with the world’s leading companies and scientific institutions on developing and localising nanotechnologies in Russia.

‘We work in cooperation with the most renowned Russian scientists and experts to identify and commercialise the innovative technologies that will take the Russian economy to the next level of development.'