World Issues of Energy and Environmental Concerns Dependent on Nanotechnology Breakthroughs, Says Alcoa Chief Technology Officer

MOSCOW & NEW YORK--(Business Wire)--
Nanotechnology breakthroughs will be essential in developing game-changing
solutions to address world issues, such as energy shortages, environmental
concerns and greater connectivity, said Alcoa (NYSE:AA) Executive Vice President
and Chief Technology Officer Mohammad A. Zaidi at Rusnanotech `09, the second
international nanotechnology forum held in Moscow Oct. 6-8.

"I believe that future growth drivers in business will focus on energy,
environment, connectivity and the biomedical field," Dr. Zaidi said. "In all of
these fields, we know that nanotechnology could enable huge opportunities for
advancements. Based on what I`ve seen in the field of nanotechnology in the last
five years, it`s obvious that the future rate of change will far surpass
anything we`ve ever experienced to date."

Dr. Zaidi`s presentation kicked off the panel discussion, "Nanotechnology in
Machinery," on the first day of the international forum, which was attended by
more than 6,550 representatives of industry, government and science from 36
countries.

"At Alcoa, we are a world leader in light metals technology. We invented the
commercial aluminum smelting process in 1888 and haven`t stopped innovating
since," he said. "Nanotechnology enables us to explore new game-changing
solutions for our customers, offering products that are more durable, scratch
resistant, abrasion resistant, heat resistant and blast resistant. For our
market segments, we see nanotechnology as a huge enabler of new functionalities
and an enabler of energy and environmental efficiencies."

The speech also highlighted a number of initiatives that Alcoa scientists,
researchers and engineers are working on for the major markets that Alcoa
services. Examples include nanotechnologies that enable stronger electrical
transmission cables at higher temperatures, with greater electrical conductivity
and reduced transmission losses to fulfill growing urban load demands, and
nano-coatings for the oil & gas market that provide more durable oil risers and
drill pipes enabling deeper off-shore exploration at lower cost.

"As a global, Fortune 100 corporation with operations in 31 countries around the
world serving such a wide range of markets, nanotechnology offers Alcoa
tremendous opportunities," Dr. Zaidi said. "In the same light, we believe that
we offer the field of nanotechnology tremendous opportunities as well. Our
breadth of market intelligence, combined with our expertise in material and
design integration and our presence in both the U.S. and Russia, enables us to
be in a unique position to be an industrial test bed for the most promising
developments in this exciting field of technology."

About Alcoa

Alcoa is the world leader in the production and management of primary aluminum,
fabricated aluminum and alumina combined, through its active and growing
participation in all major aspects of the industry. Alcoa serves the aerospace,
automotive, packaging, building and construction, commercial transportation and
industrial markets, bringing design, engineering, production and other
capabilities of Alcoa's businesses to customers. In addition to aluminum
products and components including flat-rolled products, hard alloy extrusions,
and forgings, Alcoa also markets Alcoa wheels, fastening systems, precision and
investment castings, and building systems. The Company has been named one of the
top most sustainable corporations in the world at the World Economic Forum in
Davos, Switzerland and has been a member of the Dow Jones Sustainability Index
for eight consecutive years. Alcoa employs approximately 63,000 people in 31
countries across the world. More information can be found at www.alcoa.com

Alcoa Inc.
Kevin G. Lowery, 412-553-1424

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