Hydro kicks off the first phase of its ambitious project to make Sweden carbon-emission free

The Greener Sweden Project, started by Hydro in 2022, an ambitious energy project to remove local carbon emissions from the region, has been started. The installation of solar panels and battery storage at Hydro's Swedish extrusions facilities in Vetlanda, Sjunnen, and Finspång has begun. The rooftop solar panels and battery storage are expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2023, followed by ground-mounted solar panels in 2024.

The first phase, carried out by Hydro's renewable energy division Hydro Rein, consists of roof and ground-mounted solar panels and battery storage devices. This will augment Hydro's current Sjunnen local hydropower facility. The technological solution consists of 2.2 MWp roof-mounted solar cells, about 1.8 MWp ground-mounted solar cells, and two battery storage systems totalling 4.5 MW.

"It is amazing to see that Greener Sweden is moving from idea to action. Passively watching as global climate change becomes increasingly apparent has never been an option for Hydro. We want to lead the way in tackling climate change and continue to manufacture aluminium profiles that make a positive difference for our customers and employees. That is the core of Greener Sweden," said Jonas Bjuhr, Managing Director at Hydro Extrusions Sweden.

The long-term goal is to transition Vetlanda, Sjunnen and Finspång to a 100 per cent locally generated, renewable energy. The ultimate objective is to decrease CO2 emissions from factories to zero, contributing to more viable local communities around our manufacturing units. The goal is to minimise overall power use while producing more renewable energy in-house. 

Even in 2023, we live in a complex web of carbon emissions where sustainability remains a formidable obstacle. Global aluminium producers have experimented heavily to lower their ecological carbon footprint over the years. To know more about how aluminium is contribution to an energy-efficient future, read the recent report launched by AL Circle - “Sustainability in the Aluminium Industry”.

The project's second phase will begin after 2025 and may include wind energy, hydrogen generation, and fuel switching to hydrogen generated from renewable energy. Hydro is also interested in onshore wind power and hopes to find a suitable site for its wind farm, providing enough renewable energy for Hydro's factories in Sweden.

“Hydro Extrusion Sweden is leading the way with clear action. It means a lot that they manage to set long-term goals while also taking advantage of existing potential in energy efficiency and locally produced renewable energy. It does not only have an effect on the CO2 footprint of the factories, but shows the way for the entire industry. We need a mix of all energy solutions in order to reach our climate goals,” stated Marianne Wergeland Jenssen, Head of Energy Solutions, Hydro Rein.