Hydro’s New Recycling Unit in Årdal: Combining Renewable Energy and Post-Consumer Aluminum Scrap for a Sustainable Future

In recent news, Hydro has launched a new recycling unit at its primary aluminum plant in Årdal, Norway, with an investment of EUR 86 million. The company aims to combine renewable hydropower with up to 30% post-consumer aluminum scrap in their upgraded casting line.

The facility now produces Reduxa 3.0 aluminum with a carbon footprint of less than 3 kg CO2e/kg of the metal, which is significantly lower than the global average. Eivind Kallevik, Executive Vice President of Hydro Aluminium Metal, emphasizes the growing demand for low-carbon aluminum, especially in the automotive sector. With advanced technology and expertise from the team in Årdal, customers can reduce their carbon footprint and work towards their climate goals.

With ongoing investments and recent upgrades at the plant, Hydro Årdal is set to supply low-carbon aluminum to the European market for many years to come. Hydro is committed to becoming a net-zero aluminium producer by 2050 and making progress towards a 30% reduction in emissions by 2030 compared to 2018 levels. Along with recycling post-consumer scrap, Hydro is implementing carbon capture and storage initiatives and developing a new electrolysis process that could potentially eliminate CO2 emissions from primary aluminum production.

Overall, Hydro’s latest initiative demonstrates its commitment to sustainability and innovation in the aluminum industry. With ongoing investments in technology and expertise from its team in Årdal, Hydro is well positioned to meet growing demand for low-carbon aluminum while also reducing its environmental impact.