Norwegian aluminium firm Norsk Hydro ASA announced this week its plans to invest NOK750 million (US$82.4 million) at its Sunndal plant’s capacity for low-carbon aluminium.
Hydro said the investment would come in the form of replacing and upgrading its high-voltage rectifier system, installing new service cranes, and electrifying certain operating vehicles at the plant.
The improvements would be to one of Sunndal’s two primary aluminium lines. This investment would see seven new rectifier units installed at the line.
Hydro Aluminium Metal’s Executive Vice President Eivind Kallevik elaborated upon the plan in a related press release.
“This is an investment in the future of Hydro Sunndal and it shows our commitment to low-carbon, hydropower-based aluminium as an enabler for the green transition. Hydro Sunndal will continue to be a leading producer of Hydro REDUXA low-carbon aluminium to the automotive and building & construction segments for many years to come.”
“Hydro Sunndal is not only the largest and most modern aluminium production facility in Europe, it is also an important cornerstone in the region, with more than 700 highly competent employees. The plant represents an important contribution to Hydro’s profitability and sustainability ambitions and will continue to do so in the future,” Kallevik continued.
Hydro will begin the project next summer, utilizing both internal and external resources to accomplish the task. Final approval of the plan is expected early next year, and completion is slated for the summer of 2025.
Norsk Hydro, which was founded in 1905, financed by the Swedish Wallenberg family and French banks, began its life named Norsk hydro-elektrisk Kvælstofaktieselskab (literally, “Norwegian hydro-electric nitrogen limited”) by Sam Eyde. The Norwegian government owns approximately 40% of the company at the present time. Norsk Hydro is one of the largest aluminium companies in the world, with plants in Rjukan, Raufoss, Vennesla, Karmøy, Høyanger, Årdal, Sunndalsøra, and Holmestrand. Norsk also has several plants abroad, including in Germany and Brazil.