Since 2009, Hydro's researchers and engineers have worked on the ultimate goal - to produce aluminium with the world's lowest energy consumption.

Our researchers in Hydro’s technology centers in Årdal, Porsgrunn and Neuss have developed the next generation in electrolysis technology, which will reduce energy consumption and emissions in the aluminium industry. This technology is now being tested in a full-scale production plant at Karmøy in Norway.

The technology pilot is estimated to cost NOK 4.3 billion, supported by a contribution of close to NOK 1.6 billion from Enova, a Norwegian public enterprise which supports new energy and climate-related technology.

Innovation Norway provided NOK 22.5 million in support to the technology development program for the pilot, which made it possible to maintain momentum until the investment support from Enova was secured.

GROUND BREAKING TECHNOLOGY
Out of the 60 cells in the technology pilot, 48 cells operate with an energy consumption of 12.3 kWh/kg aluminium. This is well under the world average of 14.1 kWh/kg aluminium and Hydro’s own average of 13.8 kWh/kg aluminium.

The world’s lowest energy consumption in aluminium production will be matched with continued high productivity. Compared with the technology used in our modern plants in Sunndal and Qatar, the new pots will be 50 per cent larger and produce 50 per cent more metal from each pot, while also using less energy per kilo produced.

CLIMATE BENEFITS
Aluminium produced using hydropower creates only one-fifth of the CO2 emissions of aluminium produced using electricity from coal power plants. Aluminium is a lightweight, malleable and infinitely recyclable metal that helps to make cars lighter and less energy intensive, buildings more environmentally friendly, and packaging that makes food last longer and reduces the need for refrigeration.

By using hydropower instead of coal, the pilot plant at Karmøy will save the global environment from one million tonnes of CO2 emissions.

If the rest of the world produced aluminium with the technology Hydro is now rolling out, there would be energy savings equivalent to almost the entire Norwegian annual hydropower production.

Read more on www.hydro.com
For specific information about the technology pilot: [ Ссылка ]

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