Norsk Hydro’s aluminium smelter in Sunndal in western Norway holds the place as the largest smelter in Europe and also the producer of low-carbon aluminium. The investment of NOK 750 million by the global aluminium giant is towards the replacement and upgrade of the existing high voltage and rectifier system, new service cranes and electrification of selected operating vehicles will secure that this position stands strong also in the coming decades.
Eivind Kallevik, Executive Vice President, Hydro Aluminium Metal said: “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 segment for many years to come.”
The aluminium smelter in Sunndal has two production lines for primary aluminium - SU3 and SU4 with a combined capacity of 450,000 tonnes of liquid metal per year. The investment is focused on SU3 where seven new rectifier groups will be installed securing a strong power supply to the production line well beyond 2040.
Furthermore, seven of the current operating vehicles will be replaced with electric vehicles, reducing diesel consumption by 250,000 litres per year and delivering a positive impact on emissions. However, four service cranes will also be renewed.
"Hydro Sunndal is not only the largest and most modern aluminium production facility in Europe - but 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 also in the future," added Kallevik.
The investment news emerged following the announcement to augment the production capacity by 35,000 tonnes at Hydro Sunndal aluminium smelter, with a new, NOK 60 million casting furnace for production of foundry alloys.
It has been highlighted that both internal Hydro resources and external suppliers will contribute to delivering the project which is planned to begin in June 2022 and is anticipated to be accomplished partly during spring 2024 and summer 2025. However, the investment is impending final building decision which is envisaged in H1 2022.
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