In a move towards zero emissions, Hydro Extrusion in Sweden has commenced on-site renewable energy production. The ultimate goal is fully transitioning to 100 per cent locally produced renewable energy for operating Hydro's extrusion plants in Vetlanda and Finspång. The main aim is to extrude aluminium using 100 per cent locally produced renewable energy.
With Hydro Rein (Hydro's renewable energy company) recently completing phase one, rooftop, ground-mounted solar panels and battery storage systems have begun significantly contributing to this ambitious goal. These efforts supplement an existing local hydropower plant.
Technical solution includes
The technical solution, a testament to our commitment to innovation and sustainability, includes seven rooftop installations with a total capacity of 2.1 MWp, a 2 MWp ground-mounted solar PV system, and three battery storage systems with a combined capacity of 4.5 MW. These energy storage systems will not only provide the flexibility needed to manage energy use cost-effectively and support the grid but also significantly reduce our carbon footprint.
"We are continuously reducing our emissions and recycling more scrap, but to meet growing customer demands and to further contribute to a more viable local community, we need to both increase our pace and take further steps. With the commissioning of the solar panels and battery storage systems, made possible through collaborative efforts with Hydro Rein, we are confident that we are on the right track," said Jacob Reeckmann, Head of Sales and Marketing, Hydro Extrusion, Region North.
Beyond energy production, the solar panels will prominently display Hydro's commitment to sustainability, a key aspect of the project. The initiative, with a strong focus on biodiversity, aims for no net loss of biodiversity for natural habitats and will surpass this goal through measures such as planting native trees and bushes and placing dead wood around the areas to enhance local biodiversity.
About the ambitious project
The demand for renewable energy with a stable supply at competitive prices is rising in Sweden, especially in southern Sweden, where the aluminium profile manufacturer Hydro Extrusion operates. Hydro has extrusion activities in Vetlanda and Finspång and a recycling facility in Sjunnen.
The ambitious energy project was initiated in 2022 to reduce CO2 emissions from the extrusion plants in Vetlanda and Finspång to zero by decreasing total electricity consumption and producing local renewable energy. The focus to minimise climate and environmental impact is now on further improvement activities, including various energy efficiency and transition measures.
“Our goal is to make industries more profitable and sustainable. With these projects we are accelerating Hydro Extrusion’s journey towards zero emissions with a range of services tailored to their needs. This project is cutting energy costs and reducing the plants carbon footprint, while at the same time increasing flexibility through onsite production and energy storage,” added Marianne Wergeland Jenssen, Head of Energy Solutions, Hydro Rein.
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