Alcoa and DOE To Work Together to Improve Energy Efficiency; Alcoa First Signatory in Tennessee Energy Partnership.

Business Editors

NASHVILLE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 18, 2002

Alcoa today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the U.S. Department of Energy/Office of Industrial Technologies (DOE/OIT) which enables a proactive partnership approach to its energy management strategies at operating facilities throughout North America.

The agreement with DOE/OIT confirms Alcoa's participation in the Allied Partnership -- a shared commitment among the public and private sectors to improve energy efficiency in manufacturing processes through the development and adoption of new technology and the use of best management practices.

"This partnership with the DOE/OIT will ensure Alcoa access to technical information, emerging technologies and best practices offering the greatest potential for energy efficiency and improved profitability," said Randy Overbey, president of Alcoa's Energy Division. "The expectation is that Alcoa will leverage these tools and learnings across the company."

The MOU was finalized in ceremonies in the Tennessee Supreme Court Chamber. Denise Swink, Deputy Assistant Secretary, U.S. Department of Energy, Tennessee Governor Don Sundquist and Overbey participated in the ceremony.

Alcoa First Signatory in Tennessee Energy Partnership

In a separate but related event at the Tennessee state capitol, Alcoa was recognized as the "first signatory" to an energy partnership agreement between the State of Tennessee and the DOE. Under terms of that agreement, the state will provide resources and encourage collaborative relationships among industry, universities, state and federal agencies, and the National Laboratories to design and demonstrate the technologies that meet the needs of Tennessee industries in the areas of energy management and environmental stewardship.

"We are grateful for the leadership of Governor Sundquist and his Administration in forging this agreement," continued Overbey. "It adds valuable state resources to those available from DOE. It is a tangible commitment to the manufacturing sector and provides additional energy management tools to help us operate our facilities more efficiently, reduce cost and prosper."

Alcoa is the world's leading producer of primary aluminum, fabricated aluminum and alumina, and is active in all major aspects of the industry. Alcoa's aluminum and components are used worldwide in aircraft, automobiles, beverage cans, buildings, chemicals, sports and recreation, and a wide variety of industrial and consumer applications, including such Alcoa consumer brands as Alcoa wheels, Reynolds Wrap(R) aluminum foil, and Baco(R) household wraps. Among its related businesses are precision castings, vinyl siding, closures, and electrical distribution systems for cars and trucks. It has 129,000 employees in 38 countries.

To find out more about the DOE's energy management program, visit http://www.oit.doe.gov/

To read `Observations on Energy,' an analysis of Alcoa's energy needs and strategies published in July 2001 visit http://www.alcoa.com/site/news/release_additions/energy.asp

To see Alcoa's Climate Change Policy, visit http://www.alcoa.com/site/community/ehs/climate_change.as

For a partial list of Alcoa mining and power generating sites in the U.S. visit www.alcoa.com/site/markets/alcoa_businesses/Alcoa_Primary_Metals.asp

To read the state of Tennessee's press release on this event visit http://www.state.tn.us/ecd/#