Hydro plans to invest NOK 320 million in Karmøy aluminium smelter

On May 19, Hydro reported that it is planning an investment of NOK 320 million in Karmøy aluminium smelter. The plant's 22 kV switchgear will be replaced as part of this investment. The project will begin in the fourth quarter of 2022 and is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.

The project, which is slated to be finished in 2024, will include both internal Hydro resources and foreign suppliers. The investment is contingent on a final construction decision in autumn 2022. Apart from this, the investment also includes modernising and upgrading the power supply system as well as the anode rodding facility, which will help the factory maintain its position as a low-carbon aluminium supplier to the European market.

“We are investing in the future of Hydro Karmøy, demonstrating our commitment to producing low-carbon, hydropower-based aluminium for the European market. The investment will modernize the plant and secure a robust power supply for the decades to come, as well as improve the safety at the plant,” said Ola Sæter, Head of Primary Production in Hydro.

"This investment will the Karmøy plant more robust, and further improve the competitiveness of Hydro Karmøy,” added Sæter.

Every year, Hydro Karmøy produces 270,000 tonnes of primary aluminium. In terms of energy efficiency and potline operation, the plant is the best in the world. Hydro Karmøy has two principal aluminium manufacturing lines - AP18 and Hydro's technology pilot. The AP18 potline will be modernised as part of the new investment.