MODERNIZATION: Erna Solberg met her German colleague, Chancellor Angela Merkel, together with Hydro’s CEO Svein Richard Brandtzæg, during the opening of the Norwegian company’s new factory in Grevenbroich, Germany earlier this year.
Photo: Roland Weihrauch AFP

Napoleon III was rumored to have eaten of aluminum plates while his guests had to make do with ones made of gold.
Anecdote shared by Hydro CEO, Svein Richard Brandtzæg at the Energirikekonferansen in Haugesund.

Hydro’s history is a journey of evolution, spanning more than a century, many industries and several continents. The essence has always been to convert science and natural resources into products that contribute to viable societies

Through its more than 110 year history, three characteristics have remained consistent: the spirit of entrepreneurship, a dedication to innovation and careful nurturing of a system of values. These traits have created the company that Hydro is today – the only 360° integrated company of the global aluminium industry.

Hydro makes hydropower into the Norway’s third largest export article; aluminium in which the energy is stored for eternity as it can be recycled again and again.

After talking about being part of the solution for many years, we now go from word to action. In daily operations, Hydro is an aluminum producer. In the larger picture, Hydro’s business is making the world a bit lighter – by simplifying and lighten people’s everyday life and by preventing climate change by contributing to lower greenhouse gas emissions and increased energy efficiency. – Svein Richard Brandtzæg, CEO Hydro

Hydro Karmøy Technology Pilot

When Hydro’s pilot plant in Karmøy begins operation in the fourth quarter of 2017 it will have the most climate and energy-efficient aluminium production technology in the world. The technology pilot will be groundbreaking for Hydro, Norway and the world.

Hydro wants to use the technology pilot in Karmøy to roll out the world’s most energy and climate-efficient technology for producing aluminium.

Compared with the world average, the technology developed by Hydro’s researchers will reduce energy consumption in aluminium production by 15 percent. The low energy consumption, coupled with high productivity, means that Hydro can safely say that the technology pilot in Karmøy will be a world leader.

Technology developed by Hydro

Hydro is a world leader in research and development in the aluminium industry. In recent years the researchers in Hydro’s technology centers in Årdal, Porsgrunn, and Neuss in Germany have developed the next generation in electrolysis technology which will reduce energy consumption and emissions in the aluminium industry. It is this technology that is now ready to be tested in a full-scale production plant.

75 000 tonnes of aluminium per year for cars and buildings

The new pilot facility will be built at Hydro’s existing aluminium plant in Karmøy in Rogaland County. The pilot will add 75 000 tonnes of aluminium production per year to the existing capacity of approximately 200 000 tonnes. Hydro Karmøy produces aluminium products used in plates and profiles in the construction and automotive industries, and aluminium wire for high voltage lines, amongst other applications.

More facts about the pilot here.

With the aluminium factory of the future in place and  Hydros history of relentless innovation, Hydro may be well positioned to prosper also for the next 100 years

Hydro a quick introduction